A MILKMAN in Accrington today spoke of his shock after he discovered a bloody and battered man lying in a side street while on his early morning rounds.

Vic Allonby , of Abbot Clough Avenue, Knuzden, was delivering milk in the Avenue Parade area when he came across the injured man at 4.30am yesterday,

The 43-year-old man is at Blackburn Royal Infirmary with head, face, knee and shoulder injuries. His mother held a bedside vigil there yesterday.

Speaking to the Evening Telegraph, Mr Allonby, who has been nominated for national milkmen awards and who is an Accrington Stanley sponsor, said: "I heard voices coming from one end of the block of houses and could see two people at the side of a house.

"When I got to the road junction one of them came toward me and beckoned me to come across. I think he'd come out of a house to help the other man.

"It was still dark and I didn't get too close. I was a bit wary because I've seen a few things at that time of the day. But I could see the man's face was covered in blood and his eye was a mess. He looked to be in quite a bad way - like he'd had a hell of a good kicking.

" I've seen a few incidents that I've reported to the police over the years, but nothing as bad as that," he said. "I asked what was happening and he asked if I could take the man to hospital in my van. I rang the police on my mobile phone and waited until they arrived."

Detectives were today continuing their search in Accrington for information surrounding the incident.

Detective Inspector Jim Elston said: "The victim is still in hospital, where he is stable and conscious. He is receiving treatment for head injuries.

"We carried out house-to-house inquiries in the Water Street area yesterday daytime and evening.

Anyone with more information should contact CID on 01254 353569.