A HUSBAND was viciously beaten up in front of his wife for failing to hand over cash to two robbers in an alleyway.

He has a broken jaw and nose following the unprovoked assault in the area off Audley Range, Blackburn.

The husband is recovering at home and the young couple are said to be shaken by the attack.

Detectives said they were still trying to find out whether the couple had cash and refused to hand it over, or if they had no money on them.

Two Asian men in their 20s approached the Asian couple and knocked the husband, 22, to the floor, at around 1am on Monday but police have only just released details of the incident. His wife, also 22, was grabbed as the robbers demanded cash.

They then set upon the man, who was still lying on the floor, by kicking and punching him in the head and body when they did not receive any money.

His wife alerted the ambulance service after the men fled. The incident was reported to police on Tuesday.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley said: "It was totally unprovoked and would appear that the offenders, having failed to gain cash, have set viciously about and badly assaulted this male person.

"We appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward."

The first man was described as in his mid 20s, 6ft tall, of a slim build, with short dark hair and was wearing a leather jacket. The other was in his 20s, around 5ft 9in tall, of a larger build than the other and was wearing a dark puffa jacket.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 with information.