DETECTIVES have launched an appeal after four people were attacked by a rampaging man on Saturday afternoon.

The incident started shortly after 1.40pm on the canal path close to St James’ Road in Church.

Four members of the public – including a 73-year-old man who sustained facial injuries, were attacked.

The others - two men and a woman – received minor injuries.

After making off, a 35-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested at around 3:40pm on High Street, Rishton on suspicion of assault (GBH). He remains in police custody.

Officers think that there may be others who could have been assaulted and are asking anyone, particularly a man on a bicycle and a woman who was in the area, to come forward.

DS Steve Craig from Blackburn Police said: “This must have been very worrying for those who were assaulted and the people who saw what happened. Thankfully, most of the victims were not seriously injured.

“I also appreciate that there will be local people who are concerned and so I would like to reassure them that we have made an arrest and stepped up patrols in the area.

“We need any witnesses who saw the man in the lead up to and during the incidents to come forward.

“Similarly, we think there may be other potential victims and so if you were approached by this man or attacked in any way, please speak to us as soon as possible.”

You can email 3283@lancashire.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident reference 799 of November 28th.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.