POLICE are hunting for two thugs who left a sleeping homeless man for dead after savagely beating him about the head with a heavy instrument.

The 30-year-old man, of no fixed abode, was assaulted as he slept rough at New Bonny Street Market, Blackpool, at around 11pm on Saturday, September 20.

It is thought that the offenders -- believed to be two men -- may have used a piece of wood, left behind by traders, as a weapon in the seemingly motiveless attack.

They are then thought to have made their escape in the direction of the Coral Island amusement arcade.

The victim -- whose mother lives in Fleetwood -- was found bleeding and semi-conscious almost an hour later by an off-duty police officer from another force.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he received treatment for severe bruises on his upper body and was given several stitches for head wounds.

Police say that crimes of this nature are rare.

A spokesman said: "We are still unsure as to the exact circumstances and details of this crime.

"But it appears that this was a serious and unprovoked attack on a sleeping street person who required several stitches to the head as a result."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Blackpool Police quoting 371WQ of the 20th.