Hunt for violent thugs following two Blackpool attacks

1:55pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

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Police are hunting a gang of violent thugs following two attacks in Blackpool at the weekend, which they believe are linked.

A 23-year-old man from Edinburgh, who was on holiday in the resort, had to have eight surgical staples in his head after being hit by a gin bottle on Yorkshire Street, central Blackpool.

The attack took place at 3.20pm, as the victim was returning to his car.

Just ten minutes later, an Asian shopkeeper on Dale Street was attacked in what police believe was a racially motivated incident.

The shopkeeper, at the Pound Shop store, had a bottle and several items from the store thrown at him, before being dragged into the street and punched and kicked by the gang.

He suffered cuts and bruises, and was left shaken by the attack.

In the first incident the man is described as white, in his late teens, around 5ft 10in, of slim to medium build with short dark hair.

The first man in the later incident was described as white, around 22, of thin build and wearing glasses and a baseball cap. His accomplice was white, 19 to 20 years old, 5ft 4in and of medium build.

Anybody with information on either attack should contact police on 01253 293933, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.