A MAN was rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery to his head after a suspected attack in Accrington.

Police officers questioned a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault after the injured man, believed to be 34-year-old Paul Dickson, was discovered in his flat.

A neighbour of Mr Dickson, who lives on St Leger Court, off Plantation Street, raised the alarm at about 11pm on Wednesday.

He told police he had heard banging at the address, and officers found Mr Dickson behind his front door.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with head injuries, and is now said to be in a critical condition.

Detective Inspector Pete Broome said the victim had now been identified.

Police, were not officially confirming his name as relatives had yet to be informed.

Neighbours said they had heard nothing of the incident.

Some only realised a man had been injured when they saw a police officer keeping watch outside the address yesterday.

Mr Dickson was expected to undergo surgery at Royal Preston Hospital yesterday, after being transferred from Blackburn Royal Infirmary due to the serious nature of his injuries.

The police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

DI Broome said: "I would ask that if anybody has any information which would assist the inquiries as to how this man came about his injuries to contact the police at Accrington."

The man was today undergoing surgery to his head at Royal Preston Hospital.

An incident room has been set up at Accrington police station.

Anyone with information should call 01254 353741.