POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was assaulted in Burnley at the weekend.

The 68-year-old man, who had been at Paradise Working Men's Club on Saturday night, was hit over the head with a heavy object in what appears to be a motiveless attack as made his way home.

He left the club shortly after 11pm and walked along Colne Road towards Ruskin Street and had passed the back of Ivan Street when he was struck on the head from behind.

He sustained a deep cut in the attack as well as bruising and grazes to the rest of his body. He was treated at Burnley General Hospital.

DS Derek Jones, of Burnley CID, said: "We are treating this as a serious assault. The motive is unknown, there is nothing to suggest it was a robbery because the offender made off straight away.

"We would appeal to anyone in the area at the time, who may have seen anyone loitering or acting in any way suspiciously, to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to telephone Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.