Man robbed and attacked with axe

A man has been attacked with an axe and forced to withdraw money from a cash machine in Lancashire.

Officers found the 34-year-old with bad head and facial injuries on Leyland Road, Penwortham, in the early hours.

The man, who was taken to Royal Preston Hospital, told police he was attacked with an axe at an address in Penwortham and had cash taken from his wallet.

He was ordered to withdraw money from a petrol station cash machine before being assaulted in Middleforth Green.

'Nasty attack'

He suffered significant cuts, bruising and swelling to the head as a result of the attacks but police said his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

Det Insp Gary Brooks said: "This is a particularly nasty attack and we need to find whoever is responsible.

"We're still at an early stage with this investigation and therefore we would urge anyone who may have seen two men involved in either a verbal or physical altercation in the Middleforth Green area in the early hours of this morning to get in touch."

The offender is described as white, in his mid-20s, around 5ft 9ins (1.75m) tall and slim-built.