DETECTIVES are trying to trace a man in connection with a ‘horrendous assault’ in which the victim’s head was stamped on 16 times.

Rossendale CID have already made two arrests, but have released CCTV footage of a third suspect, as well as two key witnesses, in a bid to solve the incident outside a Bacup off-licence.

Det Sgt Mark Gillibrand said the victim, a 27-year-old local man, had been grabbed round the neck and dragged to the floor by three men after walking out of an off-licence in Rochdale Road around 10pm on Boxing Day. Police have only just released the details.

Officers said his attacker was caught on council-operated CCTV stamping on the man’s head.

Two ‘Good Samaritan’ passers-by intervened and stopped the attack, but DS Gillibrand said the attackers returned to strike more blows.

He said: “This was a nasty and cowardly attack. I am amazed that the victim wasn’t more seriously injured or even killed.”

He appealed for the two people who intervened to contact police and for anyone with information to come forward.

The man was white, wearing a long-sleeved grey top with dark pants.

Contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237349.

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