DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a pedestrian was assaulted by a cyclist in Barnoldswick town centre.
The incident happened at the junction of Manchester Road and Walmsgate about 11-40pm on last Friday.
The 44-year-old victim was trying to cross Manchester Road when a cyclist rode past at speed, coming from the direction of Walmsgate, almost knocking into him and his partner.
Following a brief exchange of words between the two, the cyclist got off his bicycle and, without warning, attacked the victim, knocking him to the ground and causing him to lose consciousness.
The attacker then fled the scene, heading up Manchester Road.
The victim suffered facial fractures as a result of this attack and was treated at Bradford Hospital. Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
DC Steven Acres, from Burnley CID, said: “This was a very frightening incident for the victim and his partner and, as a result of this violent attack, he has been left with serious facial injuries.
“It was still relatively busy in the town centre at the time and we know some passers-by came to the victim’s assistance after the attack. I would appeal for them or anyone else who has any information about this incident to come forward and contact the police.”
The attacker is described as a white man, aged in his early 20s, of slim build with dark hair. He was riding a dark-coloured mountain bike at the time.
Anyone with information can contact DC Steve Acres on 01282 472240 or on 101. Alternatively, people with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.