A TEENAGER is fighting for his life after suffering head injuries in an incident in Haslingden town centre.

The 19-year-old, who has not yet been named, is in the intensive care unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

An investigation has also begun into the firing of a shotgun at a car in Wells Street, Haslingden, late on Sunday night, although the incidents are not thought to be connected.

The young man was injured in a dispute between a group of youths near a mosque in Beaconsfield Street at about 8.10pm. A number of youths were seen running along John Street.

The injured man was taken to Bury General Hospital and then transferred to Manchester where his condition is described as extremely poorly.

Police were in the town in force last night looking for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact police direct at Rawtenstall on 01706 237401 or on the Pennine divisional number 01282 425001.

The shooting happened at around 11.30pm on Sunday when an empty Vauxhall saloon was damaged by two shots.

Detective Inspector Simon Leach said: "We do not yet know whether this was a deliberate attack on this vehicle for a specific reason or whether it was a random act of violence."

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