A MAN has appeared before Hyndburn magistrates charged with wounding with intent to commit grevious bodily harm.

Paul Matthew O'Connor, 26, of Ingle Street, Darwen, was charged after a man was found with head injuries near Accrington Argos store.

The middle-aged man, who police believe is Thomas Gibson, from the Blackburn area, lapsed into unconciousness after telling paramedics he had been assaulted.

Police are trying to find his family. He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary then transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital intensive care unit.