DETECTIVES have renewed an appeal for witnesses after claims a woman was grabbed by the hair and dragged down a back street by a gang of men in a van.

The woman, 27, was left with serious leg injuries after being pulled 200 yards down the back alley.

Police said the men then let the woman go and sped off in a white Transit van.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Detectives have launched a hunt for the men following the incident in Rhoda Street, Nelson, at about 9pm on Monday.

Det Sgt Phil Warne, of Nelson CID, said: "This lady was walking along the road when the van pulled up next to her, somebody leaned out and grabbed her hair and the van drove off.

She has been dragged down the back street banging her legs on the wall.

"We are trying to trace the white van and the men involved in this nasty incident and would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch with us."

Anyone with infor-mation should call Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

l A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail until August.