Contact us Attack man 'now stable but poorly'
4:16pm Sunday 24th February 2008 in News By Ben Briggs
A PRESTON man was today described as 'stable but poorly' after being assaulted outside a Darwen pub last night.
He was initially said to be critically ill after the incident in Church Street, Darwen, at 11.50pm on Saturday.
But today his condition improved to "stable but poorly".
He was transferred from the Royal Blackburn to the Royal Preston Hospital for more specialist treatment on a head injury.
A 19-year-old Darwen man has been arrested in connection with the incident and was being questioned by detectives today.
Police were called to reports of an incident outside the Bridgewater pub and discovered a man, 43, from Preston, unconscious on the pavement.
Officers said he had been out on a friend's 21st birthday when he was attacked.
There was no indication a weapon had been used, officers added.
It is believed there had been a fight near the bus station involving a number of people which the victim became caught up in.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Det Sgt Mick Cross, of Darwen CID, said: "We believe an altercation occurred near to the bus station on Saturday night involving a number of individuals.
"At this stage we are not sure exactly how many people were involved.
"The man was in the town with a number of friends and we are carrying out a thorough investigation in to the incident.
"There is no indication that the attack was inside the pub and we believe it was outside.
"There was no mention of weapons having been used in the attack and we would welcome any information anybody might have in relation to the incident."
Anyone with information can ring 0845 1253545 or Crimestoppers - anonymously and free - on 0800 555111.
