A KNIFE victim who had been slashed across the neck shouted for help as he was chased through heavy traffic by his attacker.

A number of people in Blackburn saw what was happening as Anthony Bell pursued the man and there was blood all over the street.

Bell, 21, of Devon Road, Blackburn, was given an indeterminate prison sentence for public protection.

He will have to serve a minimum of three years jail, but will only be released when the parole board are satisfied it is safe to do so.

At the time of the offence he had been let out of custody only a day or so earlier, Preston Crown Court heard.

Bell pleaded guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

On April 30 victim Lee Currie saw the defendant at Blackburn Market.

Bell shouted something towards him, but Mr Currie did not know what he was talking about and ran off, said David Pickup, prosecuting.

As he ran down Penny Street, Bell chased after him, watched by members of the public.

The defendant produced a craft knife saying he was going to stab him.

He then slashed Mr Currie to the side of the neck and round the ear and stabbed him twice to the back. Blood was flowing.

Mr Currie was then chased through heavy traffic, while his victim shouted "help me".

Quite a number of people saw what was happening. Mr Currie was screaming at him: "What are you doing? I'm your mate".

Bell was arrested later that day at a bowling alley. The handle of the blade was next to him.

Richard Bennett, defending, suggested there had been a background of animosity between the two men.

It went back to a fall out over a girl which had escalated. Bell was carrying the knife for protection.

"He didn't go looking for Mr Currie. He just saw him in the street", added Mr Bennett.

The judge, Recorder Raymond Wigglesworth QC, said he felt there was a serious risk to members of the public of Bell committing serious offences in the future.

Imposing a public protection style sentence, he told the defendant: "Until the parole board is satisfied you are no longer a danger, you will remain in custody.”