A DOUBLE stabbing in Colne left a teenage girl and a 23-year-old man with serious chest wounds.

PC Carl Pickles, who was first on the scene, kicked in the house door and tried to stem the flow of blood from wounds on both people before ambulance staff arrived.

Detective Inspector Clive Tattum, who is leading the investigation, said: "He acted very quickly to get into the house and treat the wounds as best he could. He probably helped save the woman's life."

Officers and paramedics were called to a house in Russell Avenue last night after a neighbour raised the alarm. The house is occupied by Justine Wrigglesworth.

The 18-year-old woman and the man, who are believed to have had a previous relationship, were both taken to Burnley General Hospital where their conditions are stable.

Police said they suffered serious injuries. They are not naming the two people until all their relatives have been informed.

Officers recovered several knives from the scene and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "We were talking over the fence and her little baby girl, Melissa, wanted to come to me so I said I'd take her in to my house for ten minutes.

"The next thing I heard was some terrible screaming coming from the house. It was horrible. I went round and looked in the window and she was lying on the floor unconscious. There was blood all over her chest.

"I tried to get in but both doors were locked so I rang for the police.

"She's only been there about ten months. I only know her first name is Justine."

DI Tattum said: "We're waiting for them both to be discharged from hospital and obviously we want to talk to them to find out what has gone on."

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