A 33-year-old man sparked a police investigation after being found unconcious with serious injuries to his head and leg.

The man, who police have not named, was discovered collapsed on the steps of the footbridge over the railway, off Bridge Street, in Brierfield, at 5am on Saturday.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital suffering from a broken leg and a head wound.

DC Ruth Chew, of Nelson CID, said: "At the moment we don't know what has happened so we are wanting to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident.

"At this stage there is no reason to suggest anything untoward has gone on but we are continuing to make inquiries in the area to establish what happened to him."

The man, from Brierfield, is still believed to be unconcious in Burnley General.

Howard Slinger, landlord of the nearby Railway pub, in Glen Way, Brierfield, said: "The man had been in the pub after the football and had had a good drink but was in control of himself. He wasn't falling over.

"He then left after the football but came back later in the afternoon and stayed until just after closing time. I did not see him go.

"I don't know him. I believe he is local. He had been in the pub a few times before but I don't see much of him. I have only been in this pub for a few weeks."

Anyone with information should contact DC Peter Greenwood at Nelson CID on 01282 472643.