POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was found semi-conscious and injured in an alleyway in Nelson.

The 60-year-old victim, who was taken to Burnley General Hospital suffering from concussion, a fractured cheek bone, and cuts and bruises, cannot remember what happened to him.

But he was found by passers-by at around 1am in a passageway off Thursby Road.

Witnesses saw a man, described as tall and lanky, wearing a white, long-sleeve, hooded top with the hood up, tracksuit bottoms and trainers, kicking at what they thought was the fence, but turned out to be the victim.

The offender, who made off down Thursby Road towards Reedyford Road, was believed to have been carrying something that looked like a hammer, he was also said to be holding a polystyrene takeaway carton.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call DC Rob Goddard or DC Tony Atkins at Pendle CID on 01282 472645, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.