A MAN was due to appear in court today in connection with an assault which left a man fighting for his life.

Jeffrey Bonney, 31, of Glebe Street, is charged with wounding with intent and was expected to appear before magistrates in Burnley this morning.

The victim, 39, who has not been named, suffered head and chest injuries in the incident which happened near the youth club in Glebe Street, Burnley Wood, at about 3am on New Year's Day. He was discovered lying in the street by passers-by and taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital before later being trans-ferred to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Surgeons battled to remove a blood clot on his brain and he was then transferred to Hope Hospital in Salford where he is now on a ventilator. His condition was today described as very poorly. He also suffered three broken ribs.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

They would like to speak to a man who was standing near the play area at the time of the alleged attack and a well-spoken lady who spoke to the ambulance service from a nearby house.