A BEAT bobby was badly injured after being attacked as officers launched a crackdown on young trouble-makers.

The incident was today condemned by community leaders, who vowed to do everything they could to bring those responsible to justice.

PC Nic Fisher, community beat manager in Burnley's Stoneyholme and Daneshouse ward, was assaulted from behind by a group of at least three men as he attempted to make an arrest close to Merton Street Post Office at 9.35am yesterday.

The attack came just hours after police from Burnley swooped on a number of addresses in the district at 7am. They arrested seven male juveniles after residents came forward to make statements about troublemakers in the area who were "making their lives a misery."

Police said PC Fisher was hit over the head with a blunt instrument and the man he was trying to arrest made off.

He attempted to chase him but collapsed in the street. PC Fisher, who was unconscious, was taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment and later released.

Inspector Dave Croll, of Burnley police, said: "Police arrested seven young males in the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse area for a variety of offences including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Nic Fisher was down there because part of his role is high-visibility patrol and informing the public about what had happened earlier that morning.

"He was talking to a member of public when he was made aware one of the males the police were trying to arrest was standing nearby. Nic went over to speak to him and was assaulted.

He suffered from bangs to his face, a cut eye, bruising to the back of his head, neck and back.

"He was very shaken by the incident and will be off work for about a week recovering from his injuries.

"We believe that there may have been three males involved and are looking for anybody who may have seen the incident to contact us."

Muhammad Sher Ali Miah, of the Bangladeshi Welfare Association, said: "PC Fisher is a good officer who works hard for the local community and we totally condemn this attack. This sort of behaviour cannot and must not be tolerated. If anyone knows anything about this incident then I would urge them to come forward."

Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward councillor and former mayor Rafique Malik said the community were working together to help bring the offenders to justice.

He said: "The community will stand together on this and help the police to find these people.

"Local residents have taken PC Fisher in as their friend and over the months have started to feel safer because of his presence ." Insp Croll added: "Nic has been working in the area for about nine months now and has built a good relationship with residents in the community. Everybody down there is appalled."

Anyone with any information about the assault is urged to contact Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.