A DISABLED man was knocked to the ground and set upon by five teenagers who punched and kicked him.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with head injuries and bruising to other parts of his body, but was today recovering at home following the attack on Saturday.

The victim, 41, went to challenge the five men aged about 18, after seeing them gathered around his car in Infirmary Street, Blackburn, at about 10.30pm.

One of the men threw a child's scooter at the disabled man's head while another knocked him over with a punch to his face.

Then the gang beat the man, who has one arm and one leg, in a flurry of punches and kicks as he lay on the floor.

A passer-by came to the man's aid, causing the teenagers to flee. He then phoned for an ambulance.

Sergeant Mark Sharples said: "This is a despicable attack on a disabled man who is extremely traumatised and shaken by the whole incident.

"We want to appeal to anyone who may have information to contact us."

The disabled man could only describe his attackers as five young males, aged around 18 who were wearing baseball caps.

The police number is 01254 51212 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.