TWO would-be robbers left a man bleeding from a head wound after an attack in the street.

The 20-year-old man from Nelson received a cut to the back of his head after the men attacked him demanding his cash.

The victim, who works in Burnley, had just finished work and was going back home when he was confronted by two men on the pavement outside St Peter's Church, Church Street, Burnley at 11.20pm yesterday.

Det Sgt Pete Simm said: "They demanded money and one put his arm around the man's neck and dragged him into the church grounds.

"He then hit him on the back of the head and the man fell to the ground and they both ran off.

"We don't believe they have taken anything.

"The motive was robbery and we are treating this very seriously.

"He had not seen them before on the street before they approached him."

After the attack the man then went to the Sparrow Hawk Pub in Church Street to raise the alarm.

Police have cordoned off the scene and were today making a search of the area in daylight.

Police are not releasing the name of the victim who is still being treated at Burnley General Hospital. The cut to his head was just above his neck.

DS Simm said it was not known if the robbers used an implement to hit the man.

He appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen the men to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

The attackers are both described as Asian, 6ft and aged about 20.