THIS is the battered face of man attacked by a gang of yobs who laughed as they knocked one of his teeth out.

Today Paul Barker, 43, of Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, told how the unprovoked attack had left him scared to go out of his house.

And police urged any members of the gang who did not take part in the assault to come forward and shop their friends.

Mr Barker was walking home from Blackburn town centre up Cicely Lane with his friend, Hooshang Dhekordi, 50, when they approached eight teenagers five boys and three girls.

One of the boys grabbed the hat off Mr Barker's head and refused to give it him back.

Police said three of the boys then demanded money and launched the attack after Mr Barker said he had none.

Mr Barker said: "I knew they were trouble as I walked up.

"I wanted to get out of there and tried to walk off but one grabbed me from behind.

"Then I got hit in the face with what was like a martial arts kick.

"I was then punched in the face more than once.

"I spat the tooth out and said: For God's sake, you have knocked my tooth out' and they just laughed.

"I thought I had to get out of there. I ran away and turned around and saw Hooshang was on the floor being kicked. I could not help him. I am not a fighter."

Mr Barker managed to make it to Mr Dhekordi's home in nearby Sterling Drive and his friend returned less than a minute later.

Despite Mr Dhekordi being punched and kicked while on the floor, his injuries were not as bad as Mr Barker's.

Mr Barker added: "I don't like going out now. I think I am in shock at what happened.

"It all happened so fast. I didn't say anything to them or provoke them in any way.

"I think they are thugs and yobbos to do that."

PC Dave Souch said: "They karate kicked him in the face, knocking out a tooth, and then had the audacity to laugh at him.

"We would like to appeal to someone who was in that group to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information should call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 and ask for PC Zoe Russo.