A MAN was today critically ill after being found at the bottom of a flight of stairs following a night out with a friend.

Police are now investigating if the man fell or if he was pushed.

Paramedics alerted officers to the situation at a terraced house in Angela Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, at 6.30am today.

The 24-year-old man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where is he is now being kept on a ventilator.

It is thought he has suffered serious head injuries, including a fractured skull, in the fall.

Police believe the man, who is from Blackburn, had been out with a friend for the evening and had then been invited back to the house.

A joint investigation between Blackburn CID and the Force Major Investigation team has been launched, headed up by Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter.

Three men are helping police with their inquiries.

Mr Hunter said: "Stairs in these terraced houses are often very steep and we are trying to determine how this man came about his injuries.

"It was a contained event and we are not seeking to speak to anyone else in connection with this matter at the moment."