A MAN has been left in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed in a street brawl.

The incident happened in an alleyway between Cedar Street and Walnut Street, Blackburn and is believed to be related to an ongoing feud between two families.

Police initially said four people had been arrested in connection with the incident but last night confirmed only a 20-year-old man from Blackburn was in custody having been arrested on suspicion of wounding.

A number of other people are also said to have been injured in the fight.

The 32-year-old Blackburn man who was stabbed in the stomach had to have emergency surgery at Royal Preston Hospital. Last night police said he was in a ‘serious’ condition but his injuries were not life threatening.

In the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s incident the alleyway was taped off by police. There were also eight police cars and two police vans parked at the scene. Other vehicles could be seen patrolling the area.

Yesterday one patrol car was parked up in Whalley New Road throughout the day and there was a second one in Cedar Street.

Police have also stepped up patrols in the area.

Yakoob Dar, who has lived in Walnut street for 45 years, said: “I am wondering whether I should sell the house and move from here. It is very depressing.

“Saturday night was the end of the holy month. Nobody should do these things. This is a time of peace. Unfortunately somebody will die before this feud stops.”

Bastwell ward councillor Shaukat Hussain said: “There is a great deal of frustration in the community. Ward councillors and community elders have tried to act as mediators in what is basically a dispute between two families going back two years. Unfortunately the slightest misunderstanding can reignite it. Unfortunately somebody is either going to get more seriously hurt or end up in prison.

“I would appeal for calm, encourage people to celebrate Eid and show consideration to their neighbours. I would also encourage people to report things to the police rather than taking matters into their own hands.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 7.20pm on Saturday to reports of a large group of men fighting.

“Officers attended and found a 32 year old man with a stab wound to his abdomen. He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

“A number of other people sustained injuries. A 20-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested on suspicion of wounding and is in custody.

“Inquiries are on-going to identify and arrest further offenders involved in this incident. The police would ask that the local community cooperate in assisting the police with their enquiries, and would like to reassure the public that all relevant lines of investigation are being progressed.”