THE father of a teenager knocked unconscious in a vicious unprovoked beating is appealing for the attacker to be caught.

Paul Harris, 14, was chased along King Street, Blackburn, by a man said to be in his mid 20s.

Near Shakespeare Way on the Galligreaves estate, he was repeatedly punched and kicked until he lost consciousness.

Police said the teenager was then stamped on and robbed of a silver ring.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary and although later released, still has to go back for checks.

The attack happened last Friday but police have only just been able to speak to him.

His dad, Harold, of Bromley Street, Blackburn, said: "He was a real mess when I first saw him. His eyes were black and so swollen he couldn't open them.

"He doesn't remember much about the attack, he just remembers waking up in hospital.

"Paul was terrified and the attacker needs to be caught before he does it again."

DS Paul Withers said: "This was an extremely serious and vicious assault on a teenager which was completely unprovoked.

"We are anxious to speak to anybody who saw it or has any information."

The attacker was described as white, medium to stocky build and was bald. He wore a light-coloured jacket and dark-coloured trousers and was said to be around 5ft 9in tall.

Anybody with information should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.