A MAN has been charged after a 19-year-old was assaulted, suffering serious head injuries.

Detectives have appealed for information after they were told of a fight in Herbert Street, Burnley, at 1am on Boxing Day.

Police said they then received reports of a second fight in the area involving a number of men, several of whom were injured.

The 19-year-old was last night in a critical condition in hospital.

Thomas Dooley, 21, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley has been charged with section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and was due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court yesterday.

Det Supt Steve Pemberton said: “We are investigating two assaults which we believe to be connected, however the exact circumstances surrounding both incidents remain unclear.

“If anybody has any information about either incident or the people involved then I would urge them to contact police.”

Police said they were investigating whether the assault was linked to an arson attack in nearby Raglan Road that occurred shortly after.

As reported in the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday, the ground floor of a house was gutted by a fire believed to have started deliberately.

Smoke from the fire got into neighbouring properties, causing damage and resulting in six-year-old Luciana Clarke being taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org