A TEENAGER has been charged with the attempted murder of Anthony Rigby who was found with shot wounds to the head at his home.

Mark Peter Harrington 19, of St James Road, Blackburn, was due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates this morning. He also faces associated firearms offences.

Anthony, 18, was found barely conscious and in a pool of blood by relatives at his Swift Close flat, in the Larkhill area of Blackburn, at around midday on Monday.

He was shot in the head, although police said it was still unclear exactly what type of weapon or what type of bullet had caused the wound.

Anthony, who lived alone, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but later transferred to the head injuries unit at Royal Preston Hospital where his condition was today said to be critical.

Neighbours and community leaders expressed their shock at the shooting. Swift Close residents described Anthony as a "quiet lad" who did not have many dealings with his neighbours.

One said: "I would say hello to him, but that was all. He seems a nice lad and he has a lot of friends around here."