A MAN was today fighting for his life following a "violent and sustained assault" at a house in Accrington.

Police said Alan Pilkington, 31, of Tanpits Road, Church, was at a property in Hyndburn Street, off Blackburn Road, when he was assaulted at around 10pm on Monday.

He suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to the intensive care unit at Blackburn Infirmary, where his condition was today described as "serious".

Detective Inspector Pete Broome, who is investigating the incident, revealed that two men had been charged in relation to the incident.

He said: "Shortly after 10pm on Monday April 12 police officers received a report that a man had been assaulted at an address in Hyndburn Street.

"This was a violent and sustained assault and he is fighting for his life. There is evidence to suggest he has suffered a severe and ferocious beating and he has suffered severe trauma to the head."

An incident room has been set up at Accrington Police station, off Manchester Road.

DI Broome said: "A number of detectives are engaged in this inquiry.

"I would ask that anyone with any information that could shed any light as to how this man came by his injuries should contact Accrington CID."

Anyone with information should call 01254 353741.

Two local men in their 30s have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Bryn Reynolds, of Cherry Crescent, Oswaldtwistle, and Simon Russell, of Countess Street, Accrington, were to appear before Hyndburn magistrates today.