A MAN was stabbed in the chest in front of his wife in a busy town centre street today.

The injured man, 47, staggered into a post office on Preston New Road, Blackburn, just before 10am.

Staff raised the alarm and he was taken to hospital where he was treated for a chest wound.

Police say the man, who is from the Blackburn area, was stabbed following a scuffle outside the shop.

He was treated at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and is believed to be in a stable condition.

Alison Smith and Justin Darbyshire, who work in a printing company office opposite the post office, saw the incident.

Alison Smith said: "We saw these two men scuffling outside the post office and then one of them stepped back.

"He was holding his chest and staggering.

"Both men were middle-aged and the other man just strolled off towards Blackburn town centre. "He didn't looked worried or concerned about anything.

"The man who walked away was dressed in a suit and looked quite smart.

"It was only when all the police arrived we realised how serious it was."

Detective Inspector Bill Harling, of Blackburn CID, said: "It appears two middle-aged men were involved in a confrontation outside the post office which resulted in one of them being taken to hospital with a stab wound to his lower chest.

"We have spoken to people at the scene and made house to house inquiries but if anyone was driving past and saw what took place we would like them to contact us as soon as possible.

"Scenes of crimes officers have been checking the area and we have also been looking at footage from private security cameras."

Anyone who saw the attack can contact Blackburn CID on 01254 51212.

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