A BURNLEY student was left fighting for his life after being repeatedly kicked in the head in a ‘nasty and unprovoked’ attack.

Police said Kyle Broadhurst, was set upon by a gang of men as he and a number of friends made their way through Accrington town centre following a night out.

The 18-year-old Burnley College student, who is from Huncoat and has a twin brother called Luke, was trying to diffuse the situation when he was assaulted, police said.

Officers said Mr Broadhurst was punched in the face before being kicked repeatedly in the head and body during the attack, which took place in Holme Street.

He suffered serious head injuries and was taken by ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to Royal Preston Hospital after his condition deteriorated.

Yesterday police said Mr Broadhurst was making a good recovery, but because of the severity of his injuries he was being kept in the critical care department under observation.

Sergeant Ian Proctor, of Accrington Police, said: “This was a nasty and totally unprovoked assault whereby a group of friends were set upon by a number of men after enjoying a night out.

“One young man was kicked repeatedly in the head and body and I would appeal to anybody that witnessed this assault or has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.”

Huncoat Councillor Nick Whittaker said his son had been friends with Mr Broadhurst for a number of years and the two had played football together for Huncoat United.

It is understood Mr Broadhurst, a former Accrington Moorhead Sports College pupil, had been in Voodoo Lounge with several friends on Friday night.

The group left but the nightclub at around 3am on Saturday and were set upon by a gang of men near the Bees Knees pub.

Police said another 18-year-old, from Accrington, suffered minor injuries after being punched and that he was also taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He was discharged later that evening after receiving treatment to facial injuries.

Coun Whittaker said: “Kyle is a grand kid and from what I’m told it was a completely unprovoked attack.

“He stepped in when his friend was punched and that’s when they went after him.”

Over the last few days Mr Broadhurst’s friends have left messages of support on social networking site, Twitter.

Friend Sam Tattersall posted: “Keep going Kyle we are all behind you pal.”

Police said two men, both aged 19 and from Accrington, had been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.