Burnley man attacked 'because of his clothing' (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Burnley man attacked 'because of his clothing'

3:30pm Monday 6th October 2008

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By Helen Korn »

A MAN was left cut and bruised after being attacked for the way he looks.

Kurt Swales, 22, had been walking along Briercliffe Road, Burnley, with his girlfriend and another friend when he was set upon by a man with a group of girls.

The yob, who appeared to be drunk, singled out Mr Swales because he was dressed in a band T-shirt.

Mr Swales was punched in his left eye and his right forearm and was also cut above his left eyebrow.

He was taken to Burnley Hospital for his injuries after the incident between 9.20pm and 9.40pm on October 3.

Mr Swales said: “He came up to us and he was trying to provoke me. He was with a big group of girls so I think he was doing it for his ego - to make himself look good in front of them.

“He started saying bad stuff to us so I said some things back.

“Something I said must have bruised his ego because he came right up to me.”

Police said the offender was white, 6ft tall, with medium build but toned, wearing a sweater with blue and white horizontal stripes.

He was clean shaven and had short blonde hair.

Sgt Phil Carter of Burnley police said: “It appears that this attack was completely unprovoked on a young man walking home at night.”

Anyone witnesses can contact Sgt Carter on 01254 472509.

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