A MAN was critically injured after two men brawled inside a circle of friends to settle a dispute.

Christopher McGuire, 25, of Mill Hill, Blackburn, has undergone a brain operation and is expected to remain unconscious in intensive care for up to five days.

Police said he was injured after 15 men formed a "fight ring" on waste land at the top of Young Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, after two men had argued.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident after going into Greenbank police station, Whitebirk, last night.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter said that Mr McGuire and another man had a minor fight at a house in Young Street at lunchtime on Saturday

He said the friend was left with a bleeding lip.

Mr Hunter said it was believed that the friend called Mr McGuire back a short time later and challenged him to a fight.

He added: "They went to the top of the street on wasteland where they had a fight.

"There is no suggestion that any weapons were involved. It appears to have been a fist fight.

"But it was watched by a group of as many as 15 lads.

"They have formed a circle and it appears they have watched the two have a bit of a fight.

"We are not sure how long it lasted. Some say 40 seconds, but others four minutes.

"After the fight Mr McGuire managed to get back to his friend's house on Young Street where he collapsed. He was unconscious when paramedics arrived and has not yet regained consciousness."

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital at around 5pm on Saturday to receive more specialist head-injury treatment.

His parents have maintained a round-the-clock bedside vigil at his bedside.

Mr Hunter said the surgeon had told him that Mr McGuire had sustained a serious brain injury.

However he said his injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

Mr Hunter appealed for anyone with information to come forward and added: "We imagine this incident will be the talk of the day in pubs and around the area and we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the fight or has information."

Call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.