A man was punched then stabbed in the leg as he walked home from work, police have revealed.
Detectives said he suffered a 'serious injury' and revealed two men are now being hunted. Investigating officers are also appealing for the public's help to trace a key witness, a dog walker.
Lancashire Police said the man was attacked as he walked home from work at about 4.30pm on Wednesday in Skelmersdale, near Wigan. He is said to have been approached by two men.
In a statement, the force said: "His attackers punched him and one of the assailants stabbed him in the back of the leg. The assault happened on the walkway between Ormskirk Road and Egerton.
"The victim, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital and his injuries have been treated. He has now been discharged. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the offenders and we are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with information.
"We are especially keen to speak to a man walking his Labrador dog who stopped to ask if the victim had been assaulted. We would also like to speak to a woman with a poodle who spoke to the victim and a young woman who called an ambulance."
Det Sgt Lee Jamieson said: "This incident left a young man with a serious injury, and I would appeal to anyone who can help to come forward, in particular the man with the Labrador who may have witnessed the assault itself."
No further information has been released.
Police urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 0864 of April 5 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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