AN artery in a man's neck was severed when he was attacked by a gang in Burnley town centre, Another man lost a tooth in the attack which happened in St James Street, opposite Cow Lane.

It is thought a glass may have been used in the assault, which happened at midnight on Saturday.

Both men were taken to Burnley General Hospital.

Police said they were alerted to the incident by CCTV pictures.

Officers were due to assess footage taken from the cameras to gather further information about the incident and appealed for any witnesses to contact police.

Sergeant Gavin Shaw, of Burnley Police, said: "When officers arrived at the scene one male was believed to have lost a tooth as a result of the assault and another male suffered a deep gash to his neck which could have been caused by a weapon such as a glass, because there was no suggestion of a knife being used.

"This man suffered a severed artery but his condition is not life threatening."

He added: "The police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding the assault."

Contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.