A MAN was today fighting for his life after being beaten and left for dead in an alley overgrown with weeds and nettles.

The 32-year-old was found unconscious on a path off Jacob Street in Accrington last night.

Police said he had suffered serious head and facial injuries and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

The man, who nearby residents believe is partially-sighted, was later moved to Preston Royal Infirmary where his mother and father were today at his bedside.

Staff on the intensive care unit said he was in a 'critical condition', while police confirmed he was unconscious. Detective Superintendant Mike Arnold has been brought in to head the investigation.

Two police cars were today parked outside the entrances to the alleyway, which runs from Jacob Street, behind a row of terraced houses and on to Grange Lane.

Police said it was possible the man had been lying in the alley, which is covered in long grass and nettles, for some time.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm a serious assault occurred. A 32-year-old white male was found unconscious at the rear of Jacob Street, Accrington.

"He may have been there for some time.

"He suffered serious injuries and has not regained consciousness."

Jacob Street is just a hundred yards away from Accrington Police Station and is made up of terraced houses on one side and industrial units on the other. The injured man was discovered at 9pm by Keith Topper, who lives as a lodger at the home of partially-sighted Margaret Wright, of Jacob Street.

Mrs Wright, who has a 10-year-old disabled daughter, said: "He heard some moaning and went round to the alley and found him. At first, we thought he was drunk.

"But then he saw the blood and dashed back in to tell me to call the police.

"The police were around here at 4.30am asking questions about it.

"They showed us his wallet which had a card in it to say he was partially sighted like me. It was covered in blood. It sickened me.

"The police have asked around who he is but no-one here knows."

She added: "All we keep thinking is how it could be one of us. What sort of people carry out attacks like this? It could have been my daughter, who is disabled.

"I am going to the police station to see where I can buy some personal alarms. We don't feel safe around here any more. It is horrible."

Police were due to conduct house-to-house inquiries today. Anyone with any information should contact Accrington Police on 01254 382141.