DETECTIVES are hunting for a man they believe may have been involved in an intentional hit and run.

At around 11.30pm on December 24 a man and woman were walking on Bacup Road, close to Revival nightclub in Rawtenstall, when a blue Volkswagen Golf mounted the pavement and hit with them.

The vehicle was driven away with both victims suffering minor injuries.

Earlier in the evening the man and woman had been verbally abused in a nearby pub in a suspected racially-motivated attack.

Detectives are linking both incidents and want to speak to Lee Clarke in connection with the offences.

Clarke, 22, of Hamer Avenue, Loveclough, Rossendale, is white, 6ft tall, of medium build with short, light-brown hair.

Det Insp Tom Edmondson said: “Clarke is wanted in connection with a serious offence and we would encourage anyone who knows where he is to come forward.

“Clarke knows we want to speak to him and I would urge he contacts police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact 101 quoting incident number 1500 of December 24. In an emergency call 999.

A 23-year-old woman from Rawtenstall has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is in custody.