A TWENTY-one-year-old Blackburn man has been charged with attempted murder.

Police are appealing for information about the alleged victim who is critically ill at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

David Leonard Brook, 54, was attacked on Thursday night, in or around the Oakenhurst Road area of Blackburn.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary shortly after 6.40pm with "serious" head injuries.

Since then police said his condition has remained "absolutely critical."

Sergeant Mark Evans from Blackburn CID said: "Mr Brook has been heavily sedated so we have been unable to speak to him about the attack or his background.

"We would urge anyone who knows this man to come forward so we can piece together his last known movements of the week leading up to the attack. It may provide crucial information in the investigation and in securing a conviction."

Mr Brook is 5ft 6ins, slim, with receding greying hair, a full ginger beard and a ruddy complexion. He has an operation scar on his left lip and no front upper teeth.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a grey fleece, dark blue jeans band dark blue suede trainers.

The 21-year-old man from Blackburn was charged with the attempted murder of Mr Brook yesterday. He will appear before Blackburn magistrates today.

Anyone with any information can contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.