POLICE are stepping up the hunt for a vicious thug who slashed a father across the throat minutes after Rovers' crunch game against Manchester United at Ewood Park.

Company director Bill Brierley had to have 31 stitches after he and his blind son were attacked after the match which saw Rovers relegated.

Mr Brierley, 46, of Ashton-under-Lyne, had travelled to Blackburn to support United with his son Mark and his nephew Christoper Mooney, both 18.

They were walking away from the ground when they were set upon.

He said: "These two men ran up to us and started attacking Mark and Christopher.

"Mark is totally blind so I went to help him out.

"I was trying to pull this lad off when I heard someone shout 'slash him'. The next thing I knew I was covered in blood and the two thugs had run off."

He added: "I was that stunned I ran into a parked car and dented the boot. There was blood everywhere.

"This is the first time we have been away all season and this happened.

"It has even put us off going to Wembley and Barcelona. "We are just completely stunned that someone could want to do something like this.

"I am a middle aged man and my son is blind and these people attacked us for no other reason than we supported United.

"The worst thing about all of this was that it seemed to be a premeditated attack."

Police are determined to catch the two attackers and are studying video footage taken from the ground and from the police helicopter.

The attack took place in Kirby Road minutes after the game finished and detectives are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to contact them.

It is believed the knifeman was wearing a light grey fleece top.

Detective Inspector Tim Jacques of Blackburn CID said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack.

"We are determined to find the person responsible as soon as possible and would like to hear from anyone who could help with our inquiries."

Anyone information can ring Blackburn CID on 01254 51212.

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