POLICE today appealed for witnesses to two serious assaults in the Sun Inn, Rawtenstall.

Inquiries are still being made to establish whether the two assaults are linked. So far police have not released details of the two victims.

The first attack took place between 9pm and 9.15pm on Sunday, May 24, when a man of 39 was hit about the head with a bottle and treated for cuts and bruises in hospital.

The second assault was between 9pm and 9.20pm on Friday when a man in his early 20s was hit on the head with a baseball bat and sustained a fractured skull. It is understood he was taken to the intensive care unti at Bury General Hospital but is now recovering.

The two attacks have come in the wake of efforts by the police to curb drunkenness and disorderly conduct in Rawtenstall town centre.

Last week, the town's Chamber of Commerce praised police for their success in cutting down on rowdyism. Detective Constable Dave Williams said today: "These were two very serious assaults and we would like anyone who witnessed either of them to come forward. Information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Contact Rawtenstall police on 01706 215242.

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