A MAN was left fighting for his life after being attacked close to a town centre store in the early hours of the morning.

Police received a call at 1.45am and found the man, aged between 50 and 60, in a semi-conscious state with serious head injuries in Bridge Street, Accrington, at the rear of the Argos store.

They believe he isThomas Gibson, from the Blackburn area, but were still trying to confirm his identity today and were trying to contact his relatives, who live abroad.

Paul O'Connor, 26, of Water Street, Accrington, was due to appear before Hyndburn Magistrates' today charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.

The man was initially taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after being found on Saturday but transferred to Royal Preston Hospital where he was critical in the intensive care unit today.

It is known he had been out in the bus station area of town on Friday night.

Police cordoned off an area of Bridge Street until noon on Saturday while the scene was examined. Forensic specialists had already been to the area and police had already carried out a finger-tip search.

A spokesman for Accrington CID said: "We are still trying to confirm the identity of this man. We are not even sure where he lives.

"If it is the man we think it is, he has family abroad who we have not been able to contact.

"We are continuing to appeal for information relating to the incident which may help us confirm what happened and who he is."