Police detectives have sent out an appeal for information after a man was assaulted in Preston city centre early in April.
At around 9:20pm on Monday 1 April, the 42 year old victim was walking along Cheapside with some friends when he came across two men and a woman involved in an argument. Feeling the woman was being threatened the victim intervened on her behalf and as he did so, he was punched in the face by one of the men and knocked unconscious.
The victim was kicked in the head and body while lying on the ground sustaining fractured cheekbones and fractured ribs.
CCTV images of the man have been released and police are looking to speak to this person in connection with the assault. They ask anyone with any information to come forward.
Detective Constable Jane Thomas said: “This was a vicious and unnecessary attack on this gentleman who was only trying to do the right thing. We are very keen to trace the people responsible.
“If anyone witnessed this assault and has not yet contacted police, I would ask them to get in touch with us by calling 101.”
Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
An Ashton man, said to be 21, was arrested on suspicion of assault but was later released on police bail pending further enquiries.