A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with a 'suspected stab wound' to the neck following a serious assault in Rawtenstall.

Police were called shortly before 1.30pm yesterday (June 8) to reports of a fight outside the Railway Tavern on Bury Road.

Officers said it was reported that at least one of the people involved in the fight had a knife.

A 24-year-old man was taken to hospital with abdominal injuries and a suspected stab wound to the neck.

His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Det. Insp. Lisa Craddock, of East CID said: “A man has suffered some serious injuries as a result of this incident, and we are working to find who is responsible.

“An investigation has begun, and we’re appealing for any information or footage that may assist our enquiries.

“We know that this may be concerning to hear about, and we want to reassure you that we believe this to be an isolated incident, and there isn’t thought to be any further risk to members of the public.

“We want you to feel safe in your community, you may see an increase in police officers in the area over the coming days, either carrying out enquiries, or as increased reassurance patrols. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to approach them.

“This is where we ask you, the public, for help. If you have witnessed the attack or have any dashcam footage of Bury Road, near to the Railway Tavern, between 1pm and 1.45pm yesterday, please get in touch.

“We know that there will be people who witnessed the incident who we haven’t yet spoken to. If this is you, or you know someone who was in the area at that time, please contact us.

“We also know that there were people who filmed the assault. If this was you, please contact us, and refrain from sharing the footage on social media.”

Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101, quoting log 638 of June 8.