A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital after he was assaulted outside a Blackburn nightclub.

Richard Almond, 18, who lives in Rossendale, suffered a bruised and swollen left eye, grazing to his arms and a fractured jaw.

He was admitted to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after he was attacked around 2.45am on Sunday.

Det Con Kate Kennedy, of Blackburn CID, said the teenager was first assaulted inside Utopia nightclub in the town centre and was ejected, along with his two attackers. A further assault on the teenager then took place at the rear of the club in the multi-storey car park.

DC Kennedy said: "It was a vicious and completely unprovoked attack.

"We are appealing for witnesses who were inside the club prior to the first attack or in the area after he left the premises.

"When he was unconscious on the floor his mobile telephone and watch were stolen, which may or may not be linked to the attack."

One of the attackers was described as aged 24, 5ft 10ins, medium build with dark blond, short, spiky hair.

He was wearing a white top and dark pants along with a hoop earring.

The second attacker was aged around 23, medium build and slightly taller than the first man.

He had short, brown hair which was spiky on top and wore a grey long-sleeved top with dark trousers.

Anyone with information about the attack should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353564 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence on 0800 555111.