A TEENAGER suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked by more than 20 men in Burnley.

The 15-year-old was trying to break up a fight when he was punched by a man and then assaulted by the group.

He was treated for a fractured cheek bone and cut to his lip at North Manchester General Hospital after the incident which happened at around 4.45am on Tuesday, August 26 in Cow Lane.

The boy, who is from Littleborough, had left the Kestrel Suite at around midnight when the fight started and he was set upon. He left the scene in a taxi and was taken to hospital.

Detectives are appealing for information following the assault and are keen to speak to the driver of a white or silver Nissan Nivara car parked outside the Kestrel Suite at the time of the incident.

Det Con Rhiannon Cosgrove, of Burnley CID, said: “This was a particularly nasty attack where a group of more than 20 males targeted a defenceless teenager.

“The victim has attempted to break up a fight and suffered serious facial injuries as a result.

“We are appealing for information and are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a silver or white Nissan Nivara who we believe witnessed the attack.

“Furthermore, there were a number of people in the area at the time of the incident and we are keen for their help in assisting with our enquiries.

“Anyone who can help is asked to contact police immediately.”

If you can help, call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting crime reference EF1608866.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.