Police are appealing for witnesses after a 21-year-old man suffered serious head injuries during an assault.

The incident happened at 4.30pm on New Years day in Southfield Street, Nelson, close to the junction of Manor Road.

The Lithuanian victim was walking to a nearby address when he was attacked by three Asian men. He suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the Royal Blackburn Infirmary for treatment. He is currently in a stable condition in hospital.

The attack is being treated as racially motivated and is believed to be linked to an earlier incident at 11pm on New Year’s Eve in the Walverdon Park/Brunswick Street area of the town. In this incident, the same man was assaulted by three Asian men.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Holgate, of Nelson CID, said: “This was a violent attack on a young man who is still being treated in hospital for his injuries.

“A team of detectives are working hard to identify the offenders responsible for this assault and we would appeal for anyone with information or anyone who witnessed the attack to contact police as a matter of urgency.”

The offenders are described as wearing dark clothing and were described as being in their early 20s.

Anyone who has information they feel may help the police identify those responsible for this attack or assist the police’s enquiries in any way are urged to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472644 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.