A 25-year-old man needed 34 stitches to his head after he was assaulted by two men armed with nunchucks and a metal bar in what police believe was an unprovoked attack.

The victim was returning home from a night out in Bingley when he was assaulted by two men at the junction of Whitley Street and Clyde Street in the town, detectives said yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after the man was left with two fractured cheeks, a broken finger, bruising to his body and in need of 34 stitches.

Acting Detective Inspector Stuart Lyons, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said the men had been returning home when he was approached by two men and knocked to the ground.

He was taken to Airedale General Hospital overnight where he received treatment.

It is believed the two attackers left the scene in a black Skoda Fabia. A car matching that description was later seized by police.

Acting Det Insp Lyons said: “It appears to be unprovoked – fortunately occurrences like this are out of the norm, it is certainly not part of a series or anything like that.

“We are exploring the motive behind the attack and we are appealing for witnesses or anybody who might know anything or has seen the car or the incident to come forward.”

He said the men were in dark clothing, with one wearing a deerstalker hat. The other had a dark-coloured face covering.

Witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident, which occurred at 11.50pm on Thursday, December 8, have been asked to contact Airedale and North Bradford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Two 23-year-old Shipley men, a 19-year-old Bingley man and a 17-year-old Keighley girl have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.