TWO men and a woman arrested on suspicion of seriously assaulting a man in Blackburn have been released without charge.

A fourth man, aged 29, who was arrested in Blackpool in connection with the alleged attack, has been detained under the mental health act.

Police are continuing their investigations as James Patterson, 51, continues to fight for his life five days after he sustained serious head injuries during the alleged assault.

He was found slumped and unconscious by police after they broke down the door of a property in Formby Close, Blackburn.

Mr Patterson was found at the ground floor flat at 2.15pm on Thursday.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for a brain scan and then transferred to the specialist neurological unit at Royal Preston Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

He was said to be in a "critical but stable" condition.

Forensic experts have been combing the scene in the hunt for clues as to what happened.

The property and its back garden was taped off while officers carried out their inquiries and questioned people living in the street.

Neighbours said Mr Patterson had moved to the area about six months ago from Scotland in order to be near family.