AN investigation has been launched after a 73-year-old man was assaulted in Burnley.

Detectives are investigating a serious assault in Burnley and have released CCTV footage of a man they want to identify in connection with the attack on Friday, December 1 between 6pm and 6.15pm.

A 73-year-old man answered the door to his home on Rossetti Avenue and was assaulted, suffering a serious head injury, police said.

He was taken to hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition.

Following extensive CCTV enquiries, detectives are keen to trace this man, pictured, in connection with the offence.

He is seen walking on Reynolds Street a short time before the incident on Rossetti Avenue.

Officers are also keen to gather more information about a vehicle seen driving at high speed in the time following the attack.

A car sped through red lights at the junction of Rossendale Road and Glen View Road at around 6.15pm.

The vehicle drove on the wrong side of the carriageway at the junction, narrowly avoiding a collision with other motorists.

Det Chief Insp Marie Haworth, of Lancashire Police, said: “The victim of this assault remains in a very serious condition in hospital and our enquiries are on-going.

"Following extensive enquiries we want to identify this man, pictured, in connection with the attack.

"While the footage shown was taken at night time, we are hopeful of finding this individual and believe someone must know who he is.

"A vehicle was also seen being driven erratically on Glen View Road in the moments after the assault.  We want to identify the make and model and occupants of the car.

"We are continuing to appeal for information about where the hammer came from and want to identify the man described as we believe he could be a key witness for us and I would urge him to come forward.

“The motive for this assault remains unclear at this stage but we have a team of detectives and uniformed officers and staff working hard to identify those responsible.

“We are continuing to conduct enquiries in the area but we also need the public’s help and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious on Friday evening, or in the lead up to this incident, to get in touch.

“Incidents like this are extremely rare. If anyone has any concerns or information then they should speak to an officer.

“I would advise people to be careful when opening the door, especially at night, to ensure you know who is there when you answer. If you have a door chain then use it so you can see who is there before you open the door.”

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting log number 1192 of December 1.