THE mother of an 18-year-old partially deaf girl who was assaulted by a group of men has warned women to take extra care when walking alone.

Donna Rigby was returning to her home in Hermitage Street, Rishton, on Saturday night from her sister's in Eachill Road - a five minute walk - when the attack took place.

The young mum saw a group of 10 men in their late 20s or early 30s arguing and she crossed the road to avoid them. As she started to walk along Walmsley Street, turning left into Albert Street, she was aware that some were following her.

She was then hit from behind and lost consciousness. When she came round some time later, she was about 40 yards from the spot where she had fallen in the entrance to a nearby alley, with injuries to the side of her face.

Her mother, Violet Lund, said: "I usually walk back with her but it was only a short journey just down the street and thought she would be safe. I felt horrible when I heard what had happened.

"I would tell anyone now not to walk alone and to stick to well-lit streets, especially where lights are also on inside houses in case you need to get help.

"This attack has destroyed Donna and left her terrified of going out on her own. She used to be very confident in spite of her disability but the assault has ruined that. I cannot understand how anyone could do it.

"It frightens me just how quickly I could have lost her and how much worse it could have been. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else's daughter."

Donna, who lives with her boyfriend, Sean Taylor, 32, and their two-year-old son John, ran home and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where she was treated for cuts and bruises to the right side of her face.

She said: "I was very scared and just wanted my mum and dad to comfort me and to feel safe again. I can't go out on my own and if I see a group of men I will back away."

Police have appealed for witnesses to the assault between 11.20pm and 11.40pm on Saturday to contact them with further information.

Sergeant Nigel Watson, of Great Harwood police, said the girl had been badly shaken by the incident. He said: "Nothing was stolen and we don't believe it was a sexual motive at this time, but obviously we are very keen to find witnesses or anyone with information.

"We would especially like to hear from any of the men in the group or anyone who saw them at the time or earlier in the night."

If you can help call police on 01254 382141 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote reference 435EQ of 02/03/02.