A BURNLEY man who remonstrated with teenagers after they kicked their football at him was attacked with bricks.

Police in Bank Hall are appealing for witnesses to the assault in a back alley behind Cleaver Street.

The victim suffered a split lip and bruising to various parts of his arms, legs and body and is also believed to have lost a tooth as a result of the incident.

Police Constable Dave Pascoe, the community beat manager for Bank Hall, said that the victim, aged 40, was walking along the alley when he came across a group of youngsters, aged 15 or 16, playing football.

One of the teenagers kicked the ball and it struck the man as he was walking past.

He returned the ball to them and then became involved in a verbal dispute with the teenagers, according to PC Pascoe.

"Then they have thrown bricks at him, hitting him on various parts of face, head and body," said PC Pascoe.

An investigation has been launched by officers in Bank Hall, who want to speak to anyone who saw the gang of teenagers behind Cleaver Street.

The youths are all thought to have been wearing tracksuits but no clear descriptions have been compiled of them so far.

The attack happened at around 7.20pm last Thursday but police have only just released the details.

Police said they advised the victim to seek medical attention when he reported the matter to them on Friday.

Potential witnesses are asked to contact Pc Pascoe on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.