POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two separate violent late night attacks in Lancaster city centre.

In the first incident a soldier was hit in the face with a glass on the dance floor of a local nightclub.

In the second, an argument about a taxi ended with two men being beaten up, one of whom was left unconscious.

Police say there is no link between the two attacks and have reassured people that violence in Lancaster is on the decrease.

At around 12.45am on Friday morning, a 21-year-old soldier based at Halton barracks was in an argument with another man in Liquid night club, North Road.

The man then grabbed an empty pint glass and pushed it into the soldier's face, causing deep cuts to the left hand side of his face as well as a one and a half inch laceration to his forehead and right cheek.

The attacker is described as male, white, 5ft 8in tall with short fair hair, of stocky build. He wore a white shirt and dark pants.

After the attack the man ran off, pushing a young woman out of the way. Police are studying CCTV footage and have asked for help from anyone who was in the club at the time.

The second incident happened between 2.30am and 3am on Saturday morning, close to the Friary pub and Iky's takeaway on St Leonardsgate.

Two young men from the Caton and Brookhouse area were arguing over who was first in line for a taxi.

The two victims backed off, but at that point one of the men attacked an 18 year old, causing a fracture to his left cheek bone and cuts to his face.

The victim's 21-year-old friend then intervened, but he was hit over the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.

The attacker wore a Tommy Hilfiger top and had dark crew cut hair and what are described as dark eyes.

Det Insp Mark Salisbury of Lancaster police said: "Keeping things in perspective, we need to remember that violence in and around the city centre and licensed premises such as these have become less common during the last few years."

"The level of force used in these incidents was totally unjustified and we would appeal for anyone who has details on the offenders to come forward."

Lancaster police can be contacted on 01524 63333.