A MAN was critically injured after stabbing himself in the throat with a kitchen knife after an argument with his girlfriend.

The man was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where police said he was due to undergo surgery today. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Police called to the incident, at a first floor flat in Stonyhurst Close, Bank Top, Blackburn, found a second man locked in the toilet. Police said he had taken an overdose of heroin and was revived by paramedics.

Police were called to the flat at 3am after reports of a drunken row. They believe the man was hit over the head with a beer bottle and then stabbed himself.

Detective Inspector Stuart Bruce said: "The man in hospital is claiming he stabbed himself and I believe this may be an example of a chaotic lifestyle and a night out that has gone too far.

"The woman is thought to have hit the man over the head with a beer bottle and then he stabbed himself with a kitchen knife.

"They had been on a night out drinking round town before the argument, which spilled out on to the street."

Neighbours said the couple were often heard arguing. One said she saw a man lying on the grass after hearing a row early today.

She said: "He didn't look like he was moving, at first I thought he was dead.

"There was a young girl with him and a couple of lads and then the ambulance and police came." They said the victim had only lived in the flat for a couple of months.

Inspector Bruce said: "A family friend is thought to have locked himself in a room when the row broke out and taken an over dose of heroin.

"Paramedics managed to inject a drug to bring him round and he was taken to hospital."

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information can call 01254 353564.