A 27-year-old man was stabbed in the back several times this morning in Exchange Street, Accrington.

The man was found lying and bleeding heavily in an alley way between Elizabeth Street and Exchange Street by a woman at around 9.15am this morning.

No arrest has so far been made in connection with the incident and detectives are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Claire Holbrook, of Accrington CID, said: "The man was found bleeding heavily. He had a large amount of stab wounds to his back. We have launched several lines of enquiry. We are most keen to hear information from anybody who heard a disturbance between 9am and 9.30am on Thursday morning in this area. Anyone who may know about how this man has come about his injuries should contact us."

Grandad of nine Granville Broadhurst, who lives on Sharples Street close to where the incident happened, said: “I have been living here for 45 years and it used to be quite a nice area but it has gone to pot. It does worry me this kind of thing.”

A police spokeswoman said: “A 27-year-old man has been stabbed in the back several times. He was spotted by a female member of the public lying in an alley way. She immediately alerted the ambulance and police. He is currently in Royal Blackburn Hospital and his injuries don't seem to be life threatening. He is conscious and stable.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting the log number 0302 on the 3/2/11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.