POLICE are hunting an attacker who stabbed a teenager as he walked home following a night out.

The 17-year-old, of Scarlet Street, Burnley, was walking along Red Lion Street near the junction with Parker Lane in the town centre with a friend when the attack took place.

As the pair walked home they were approached by a group of one man and two women and an argument broke out.

The attacker then chased the 17-year-old along the road before stabbing him in the back with what was believed to be a pen-knife.

He then fled with the two girls.

The victim was taken to Burnley General Hospital with a stab wound to his back. He was detained for observation before being discharged on Monday.

Police have now launched a hunt for the assailant.

He is described as white, aged about 18 years, about 5ft 8ins tall and wearing a cream jacket and baseball cap.

Det Con Dave Groombridge, of Burnley CID, said: "Fortunately the injury to this young man turned out not to be life threatening but this was still a very serious incident.

"We are appealing for anybody who saw the attack or who knows anything about it to get in touch with us on 01282 472144."

Anyone with any information about the incident, which occured between 11.05 and 11.20pm on Saturday, can also call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.