HORRIFIC injuries were suffered by Steven Bastable at the hands of thugs who beat his face to a pulp.

The 26-year-old builder can now hardly open his blackened eyes, has stitches across a long wound along the hairline and under his nose and lost teeth in the attack.

Steven, of Causey Foot, Nelson, says at least three men -- who he claims have a grudge against one of his friends -- rained down blows and kicks.

He has now signed himself out of Burnley General Hospital where he was taken with the horrific wounds and today urged the public to "shop" the attackers.

The attack happened in Camden Street, Nelson, at about 8pm on Friday. The street was cordoned off at both ends by police who are continuing to make inquiries into the incident.

Steve, who works in Salford, said: "I had been to see a friend and was leaving when I was attacked by a load of lads, at least three of them.

"I remember fighting and trying to defend myself. Then they must have hit me with something heavy because I was knocked out. "I used to do kick boxing and I have had black eyes before but nothing like this. I have never been knocked out before."

"I remember fighting with them and then the next thing I knew I was in hospital. They must have hit me on the head with something big." He believes he was assaulted by people who have a grudge against one of his friends but they took out their grievances out on him. Steve added: "Basically they don't get on with one of my friends and they wanted to attack me. I was on my own at the time."

Two men being questioned by police have been released without charge.

Det Sgt Peter Simm said: "The investigation is continuing with regard to identifying the offenders.

"We are not yet sure of the reason behind it. It was definitely not robbery. We believe it was some form of melee on the street and we are continuing to investigate the incident."

In a separate incident police are investigating another Nelson street attack.

The victim, who has not been named, was taken to hospital after being assaulted in Crawford Street, Nelson.

He reported that he was attacked after disturbing someone.

His injuries were said by police to be minor and he was released from hospital after treatment.

Det Sgt Mike Collins said: "Our information is that the incident happened in the back street near the man's home. We are still carrying out investigations into the incident."