A MAN was left seriously injured and lying in the street after being attacked after visiting a takeaway.

Blackburn police said Anthony Grogan was assaulted on Jasper Street, in Blackburn, around 6.40pm on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old, of Douglas Place, was found unconscious with serious head injuries by a passer-by and taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary then transferred to the neurological ward at the Royal Preston Hospital. His condition was said today to be poorly but stable and still unconscious.

His 77-year-old mother Jean today appealed for his attacker to be caught.

She said: "Anthony is not the kind of person who would start a fight.

"He is a very gentle person and I just hope the police catch whoever did this.

"You cannot go around doing this kind of thing."

Anthony, a graphic designer for Bootstrap Enterprises, in Railway Road, Blackburn, had been for a drink with his brother Barry, and was returning home.

He had stopped off at a kebab takeaway, in Whalley New Road, and was assaulted moments later.

Sergeant Joanne Lightbown said the attacker, described as being in his late teens or early 20s, then returned to a group of friends standing at the corner of Whalley New Road and Jasper Street.

Sgt Lightbown said there was no suggestion his friends were involved and urged them to come forward.

She added they might not realise the extent of his injuries.

She said: "We don't know why this altercation took place, and we appeal for anybody to come forward.

"His friends may have vital information.

"We are keen to speak to anybody that might have seen Mr Grogan before the attack, in the kebab shop, or on Whalley New Road."

The attacker is described as white, 6ft tall with blond or fair short-cropped hair. He was wearing a blue jacket.

Contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls can be made in confidence.