THE FAMILY of a grandfather who was knocked off his motorbike by a speeding car were today waiting to find out if he had been left paralysed.

Frank Almond, 54, suffered a number of serious injuries in the accident last Thursday night and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, where he has been kept under sedation. His condition was today described as "poorly but stable."

The Ford Granada car was being followed by a police vehicle at the time of the accident, in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn.

Today Mr Almond's son Damian, of Swan Farm Close, said he had badly bruised lungs which were possibly punctured, broken ribs, a badly broken arm, which will need rebuilding, swelling and bleeding of the brain and his back could be broken in more than one place. He has also developed a chest infection.

Damian, 26, said :"We are hoping and praying that there is no damage to his spinal cord and obviously his brain.

"He is in a bad way - which is no wonder - but he is lucky to be alive. After suffering two heart attacks before Christmas he had come so far so he has to get better. But I have to prepare myself for the worst."

Mr Almond's partner, Janet Kennedy, of Leopold Way, Blackburn, and three children from a previous marriage, Janine Briggs, Donna Almond and Damian, have all been to visit him on a regular basis.

Faizal Khan, 21, of St James Road, Blackburn, and Sajid Hussain, 25, of Castle Street, Brierfield, were helped from the car and also taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after the incident.

Police are asking witnesses to the accident to come forward.