Neighbours have spoken of their shock after two violent incidents on the streets of Accrington in just over 24 hours.

A man suffered serious injuries after being set upon by a gang armed with knives as he sat in his car in broad daylight.

The incident came a day after cricket bats and metal bars were used in a street brawl nearby.

Police say there is no connection between the two incidents.

But the deputy mayor of Hyndburn, who represents the Spring Hill ward  in which the two incidents occurred, said violent incidents were happening on a regular basis.

Ward councillor Munsif Dad said: “I’m very disappointed to hear that this has happened.

“It’s these sorts of incidents in our area that we can’t allow. We can’t let people be attacked in our streets and these crimes are not acceptable.

“I’m sure the police will be taking the matter very seriously and doing their utmost to bring whoever did this to justice. 

“The sooner the better.

“These incidents are happing on a pretty regular basis although not necessarily with knives.”

Police say the 26-year-old victim is in a serious but stable condition at Royal Blackburn Hospital after suffering a number of stab wounds in the horror attack which occured on Brown Street at 5.45pm on Tuesday, August 27.

A gang of four or five men are believed to have thrown their weapons into the canal behind The Albion pub on Whalley Road in Clayton-le-Moors.

A number of weapons were later recovered by an underwater search unit.

One neighbour on nearby Richmond Avenue, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened round here.

“There was blood dripping out of the car and down the street and all the kids saw it

“I couldn’t sleep after seeing it because of how close to the house it was, it’s horrible.”

Another neighbour, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: “We heard someone screaming and then there were police everywhere.

“Nothing like this has happened before, there’s not much fighting or anything like that, just an occasional car accident and this is really bad, everyone is very upset.”

Detective Inspector Mark Vaughton, of Accrington CID, has urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “This was a vicious assault, but we do believe the victim may have known his attackers, we do not think this was a random attack.

“If anybody was in the area at the time and saw anybody acting suspiciously, or has information at all which they think could help, then please contact police.

 “I am also keen to speak with anyone who may have seen a group of men acting suspiciously near to the canal behind The Albion pub a short time after 5.45pm.”

The men got away in a blue Vauxhall Vectra.

Police said the earlier incident is believed to have started after the cars of the

men involved  bumped into each other when they were driving along Scaitcliffe Street in Accrington.

The men got out with the weapons from their cars and started attacking each other, detectives said.

It is understood all three men were known to each other and the altercation stemmed from a previous disagreement.

Police said there was no suggestion the street violence was pre-meditated.

One of the men was left with a serious finger injury and had to receive hospital treatment while another man suffered minor injuries.

A 48-year-old man from Accrington has been arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray.

Another 41-year-old man from Accrington was arrested on suspicion of wounding and grievous bodily harm.

Both have been bailed until October 14.

A third man, aged 41 from Accrington, was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in custody. The incident happened at 4.25pm on Monday, August 26.

DS Mark Haworth-Oates, of Eastern Division CID, urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “Given the time of day there will be a number of people around.

“It is believed the road was blocked by one of the vehicles.

“Anybody around at the time may have witnessed what happened.

“People who live on the street were ringing us as it was coming to an end but by the time we got there it had finished.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101. Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.