A 27-YEAR-OLD man suffered a fractured skull in what police have described as a 'horrific attack.'

The incident happened at 1.10am yesterday, in Townsend Street, Haslingden, as Stephen Smith made his way home.

Police said Stephen, of Greenfield Street, Haslingden, received horrific injuries after being repeatedly punched and kicked in the head by two men.

Paramedics were called by by-standers before he was taken to Blackburn Infirmary, where doctors are to carry out a series of X-ray's to establish the full extent of his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Andy Gilbert, who is leading an investigation into the attack, said: "This is a very serious assault and we need to trace whoever is responsible. It is an horrific and extremely cowardly attack, which was totally unprovoked.

"We have been told by witnesses that a woman was at the scene trying to help the man. We would urge her to come forward. She is being viewed as a witness who may lead us to the offenders.

"We also know there were some other people who were present when the ambulance attended. They may also hold vital information which could lead us to the offenders."

The woman is described as white, young, with brown hair and is believed to be called Debbie.

Information will be treated as confidential. Anybody with any information should contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.