A MAN was left with a suspected fractured cheek-bone after being jumped by a gang of four in Burnley town centre this morning.

The 20-year-old man was walking along Hammerton Street with his girlfriend when he was ‘deliberately targeted’ by the group, police said.

Detectives described it as a ‘nasty attack’, but have not released any details of a possible motive.

The assault happened shortly after 2.30am, close to the Skipton Building Society.

The man was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital by paramedics for treatment on his jaw, cracked teeth, and a swollen eye.

He is set to remain in hospital tonight.

His girlfriend was unhurt.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses who saw the attack to come forward.

The gang are described as four white men in their mid to late twenties.

Detective Sergeant Andy Ash, of Burnley CID said: “This attack was targeted, nasty and deliberate.

“The victim was walking home after a night out in the town centre and deliberately chosen, and set upon, by four men.

“He is now being treated for a rather nasty injury to his cheekbone that doctors suspect may be fractured.

“I appeal to anyone who may have seen the attack taking place, either from the hackney carriage stand, or as they made their way home in the early hours of Sunday, to come forward.

"This type of incident will not be tolerated.”

Officers are currently trawling through town centre CCTV searching for clues about the attackers.