A MAN was stabbed and three others beaten after they were set upon by a gang in Blackburn, police said.

The group of four men needed hospital treatment after they were attacked in the Daisyfield area.

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Police were called after being alerted to the fight in Pickup Street by a nearby resident.

Detectives said four men in a green Toyota Yaris were attacked by a second group of around six or seven men.

The driver and three passengers attempted to run away in different directions.

Yesterday morning, blood could be seen on the pavement in Buttermere Close and more could also be seen on the handset, windows and floor of a telephone box which had been cordoned off by police.

A large area off Birley Street, Buttermere Close and Thirlmere Close was also sealed off by police tape.

None of the victims’ injuries are though to be life threatening.

A 27-year-old man suffered several cuts to his arm and stomach caused by a bladed weapon and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by the North West Air Ambulance.

Two men, both aged 28, and an 18-year-old man suffered cuts and bruises and were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Many residents in the streets affected were woken up by the presence of police and paramedics.

One Thirlmere Close resident, 50, said: “It was around midnight when I heard shouting and shortly after there were blue lights flashing outside in Birley Street.

“I went down to my yard and could see five police cars and two ambulances.

“The officers were talking to one man close to the phone box.

“He looked like he was in his late 20s and seemed to be injured and bleeding.

“The police have been here since then. They started to seal off the area by putting a lot of tape up at around 1.15am.”

Another Birley Street resident, 60, said: “I was woken up by the police cars arriving.

“I’ve never seen such a big response to an incident in this neighbourhood.

“I’ve heard some people have been injured. It is worrying that this level of violence is going on on our streets.”

The cordoned off area was directly across the road from St Albans RC Primary School.

No arrests had been made yesterday following the disorder.

DI Tim McDermott, of Blackburn Police, said: “We are investigating a disturbance involving several men in Blackburn.

“We believe two groups were involved in fighting in Pickup Street and are appealing for information following the incident.

“We would be particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack or provide more information in relation to the offenders.

“Patrols have been increased in the area to provide reassurance to residents.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 1905 of July 20.

Yesterday’s violence comes just days after two men were charged with the alleged assault of three men in an alleyway in nearby Whalley New Road.

The three men injured, aged 32, 36 and 41, were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment on a combination of head and facial injuries on Monday.

Although the two incident were in close proximity police said they were not linking them.