A MAN was today fighting for his life after falling from a horse in Accrington.

Police are working on several witness reports to establish how Allan Clynch, 56, of Portland Street, came to be lying in the road with serious injuries. Officers today said they were investigating what had happened and an inquiry is ongoing.

Mr Clynch was seen riding a horse on the A679 and through Accrington town centre mid-afternoon yesterday. But he was later found in Whalley Street suffering serious head injuries.

Following the discovery at about 5.45pm he was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary by paramedics but later transferred to a specialist unit in Preston, where his condition is described as critical.

The horse was later seen wandering around and captured in Abbey Street, leading police to believe the man had tumbled while riding the horse -- although they do not know what caused him to fall.

However they have not yet ruled out the possibility of Mr Clynch becoming the victim of a serious assault in the street and are keeping an open mind about their investigation.

Inspector Jim Ellis, of Blackburn police, said: "We believe the man has fallen from his horse and suffered head injuries as a result, although there is still a chance of an assault having happened. He was found on the floor but, as yet we, have no witnesses who have actually seen the fall.

"The horse, which is believed to belong to Mr Clynch, was found and transferred to suitable accommodation.

"Our inquiries are continuing into what appears to be a tragic accident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 0111254 353436.