A MAN was left with facial injuries after being headbutted in a failed mugging in a Blackburn park.

It was the second incident in the space of 20 minutes in Queens Park and police are linking the crimes.

The 30-year-old victim was left with a suspected broken nose after being approached by a gang of six Asian males and two white females, Blackburn, on Monday, May 23, about 7pm.

The group is said to have asked him for a cigarette and he was butted while trying to give one of the males a light.

As this happened, the group tried to grab the victim’s bag from his shoulder.

As reported in the Lancashire Telegraph last week, William McMullan, 53, of Burnley Road, said he was attacked at 7.20pm by a gang, who hurled racist abuse, pursued him and then punched him in the face.

He was taken to hospital with facial injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area.

The first male in the group, who headbutted the victim, is described as between 16 and 17 years old, 5ft 7ins, slim with a shaven head.

A second youth is 16 years of age, 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build.

The other four males are said to be of similar ages.

One of the girls is described as 16 years old, 5ft 9ins tall, slim build, long curly brown hair in a ponytail and wearing a denim jacket.

Contact police on 01254 353564.