A MAN who was stabbed in the back in the street was later arrested on suspicion of assault.

Police were called and found the man bleeding outside a house in Manor Street, Nelson.

The 36-year-old man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment for stab wounds and head injuries.

He initially refused medical treatment and was questioned by police.

Medics told police another man, aged 48, had come into hospital earlier that day with head injuries following an assault in the same street at around 3pm but it was not reported to police.

The stab victim was then arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was in custody last night.

DI Jim Elston, from Pennine CID, said: “We have launched one investigation into both incidents.

“We need to establish how the 36-year-old man’s stab wounds have been caused and at this stage we are investigating to see if there is a link between the two injured males.”

It is not known what sort of weapon was used, police said.

A PSCO continued to guard the rear of a house in Manor Street yesterday while police made door-to-door enquiries.

Residents in Manor Street said there had been a flurry of police activity at the junction with York Street on Wednesday night.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: “I came home from a training course at 8pm and there was a big crowd gathered round and the police remained here for most of the night.

“There was a man with cuts to his head and he was telling people he’s been stabbed.”

Coun Eileen Ansar, from Nelson, said she had been inundated with calls from concerned residents.

She said: “It’s so disturbing.

“I’ve been dealing with calls from people all day and a lot of people have been in my shop worrying about it too.

Lancashire police have appealed for witnesses who saw either of the incidents. Anyone with information can call police on 101.