A MAN was assaulted with a metal bar and thrown into the canal in Blackburn.

Police are appealing for information after the man was attacked as he walked along the path between St Mary’s Wharf and Asda.

The 22-year-old was approached by two men, thought to be aged between 25 and 30 years.

One of the men began to hit him with the bar of metal, while the other man held him back.

He was then thrown into the canal and the offenders ran away in the direction of Mill Hill.

The victim suffered a cut to his head and bruising and swelling to one of his eyes.

Both men are described as white and aged 25-30. The first was around 5ft 6/7ins tall, wearing a dark green, long-sleeved turtle neck top and black balaclava. The second was around 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a grey, nylon, waterproof hoody with a blue arrow on the front and blue joggers.

Police believe that the assault, which happened at around 6pm on Tuesday, was witnessed by a man on a red bike and are keen to hear from him.

DC Tricia Sowerbutts said: “This was a nasty and seemingly unprovo-ked assault. If anybody has any information about it, I would urge them to contact us.

“In particular I am keen to trace the man on the red bike. If this is you, or you think you know who this may have been, please come forward.”

Anyone with informa-tion should telephone 0800 555 111.