A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital following emergency surgery after suffering head injuries in an incident in Haslingden town centre.

Craig Sharkey, 19, was hit with a wooden weapon during a fight between gangs of youths. He was originally described as extremely ill. Yesterday he underwent an operation to remove a blood clot on the brain.

He has now been taken out of intensive care and admitted to a ward at Manchester Royal Infirmary where he was today said to be making a good recovery.

An investigation has also begun into the firing of a shotgun at a car in Wells Street, Haslingden, late on Sunday night, although the incidents are not being linked at this stage.

Craig was injured in a dispute between two groups of youths near a mosque in Beaconsfield Street at about 8.10pm on Saturday.

A number of youths were seen running along John Street. Four to six white youths and four or five Asian youths are believed to have been involved.

Craig was taken to Bury General Hospital and then transferred to Manchester.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police direct at Rawtenstall on 01706 237401 or on the Pennine divisional number 01282 425001.

The shooting happened at around 11.30pm on Sunday in Wells Street when an empty Vauxhall saloon was damaged by two shots.

Detective Inspector Simon Leach said: "We do not know whether this was a deliberate attack or whether it was a random act of violence."

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