A MAN was fighting for his life today as friends told how he was chased down a back street and attacked by three men believed to have been wielding metal bars.

Shabaz Arshad, 21, of Woodfield Terrace, Brierfield, suffered severe head injuries in the attack late on Friday night.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital and later on Saturday transferred into intensive care at the Royal Preston Hospital where he is in a critical condition.

Mr Arshad has a young wife and a two-year-old daughter. His wife, who is heavily pregnant, is keeping a vigil at his bedside

His parents, who also live in Brierfield, are flying back from Pakistan where they were on holiday

Mr Arshad attended Mansfield High School, Brierfield, and had worked at Express Gifts, Nelson. Recently he had been unemployed.

The attack happened in a narrow back street between Halifax Road and Hartington Street, Brierfield, at 11.10pm to 11.15pm.

The street was sealedoff by police as widespread inquiries were carried out.

An incident room has been set up at Burnley police station.

Acting Detective Supt Paul Buschini said Mr Arshad was chased from the junction of Halifax Road and Mount Street into the back alley by a group of Asian youths and it was not clear whether a weapon had been used to inflict the injuries.

Prior to the incident he had been driving his J-registered black Renault 19 in the area. The car had been recovered and was undergoing forensic examination. Mr Buschini appealed for anyone who saw the car or Mr Arshad between 10.30pm and the time of the assault to contact police.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident should contact the police at Burnley on 01282 425001 or on the Freephone Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Mr Arshad's friends at the 147 Breakers Snooker Club in Halifax Road, only yards away from where the attack took place ,said they were all shocked, distressed and upset by what had happened.

He was in the club for a few hours on the evening of the attack.

One friend in the club said: "We are very shocked about the attack. He was in here Friday like he was every night. He has very many friends here and always got on well with everyone.

"He is a good snooker player and a good cricket all-rounder. He didn't play for a club but had been for trials with Burnley.''

Another club member said: "Three lads armed with metal bars chased him into the side street. Shabaz was with another lad who was chased away.

"They caught Shabaz and attacked him.'' He said Shabaz was not involved in drugs and was an innocent victim.

Mr Buschini added: "We are unsure of the motive at this stage. There are a number of inquiries being conducted over a range of areas."

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