A MAN today told of his horrific ordeal after he was slashed across the face in a street attack by two men.

Craig Eccles, 25, of Carlinghurst Road, Blackburn, needed ten stitches to the wound in his face after the attack on Pump Street on Friday night.

The unemployed father-of-three was making his way home from a friend's house at about 9pm when a car pulled up next to him.

Two men got out of the car and started talking to him. Then they demanded money but when Craig refused one of them punched him in the head and the other one then slashed his cheek with a blade. The men then stole about £140 from Craig before driving off. Craig said: "I'd seen one of the men before and they started talking to me, but when they asked me for money I refused.

"The next thing I knew one of them punched me and then when I spun round to defend myself the other one slashed me. My face is a real mess, all swollen, and I can't open my mouth properly."

After the attack Craig went to Blackburn Infirmary where his injuries were treated. He was then allowed home to his partner and children.

Police are appealing for witness to the the attack.

The first man was in his mid 20s, white, 5ft 5in tall, and had short hair receding at the sides. He was wearing a plain white jacket and jeans.

The second attacker was white but dark skinned, in his early 20s, 6ft tall and of a slim build. He wore a black jacket.

Anybody with information about the incident should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 51212.

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