POLICE were today investigating an assault which has left a man critically ill in hospital with head injuries.

The attack is believed to have taken place in the early hours of this morning.

The man was found covered in blood in Water Street, Accrington, at 4.30am after a milkman alerted police to the incident.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary suffering head injuries, a broken nose, internal bleeding and knee and shoulder injuries.

Duty Inspector Steve Haworth said: "It seems like the man has been given a bad battering.

"The first report came in at 2.30am and officers were sent to the Water Street and Avenue Parade areas but could not find anything.

"The man was then found at 4.30am but we are not sure where the assault took place or if a taxi has been used to dump the man.

"There are continuing inquiries as to how this man ended up covered in blood and in a critical condition."

Anyone with more information should contact Detective Inspector Jim Elston on 01254 353569.