A MAN believed to be in his early 20s was stabbed.

Police were called at around 11.25am to reports of an assault in New Chapel Street, in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn, yesterday.

The victim was found at the scene with several stab wounds. 

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment and is currently in a stable condition.

An investigation is underway and enquiries are on-going.

Officers believe the incident to be an isolated attack with the victim known to the offenders.

Police at the scene taped off areas of New Chapel Street and Matthews Street following the stabbing. 

Around six police cars, an ambulance and rapid response vehicle attended the incident.

While Crime Scene Investigators and forensics could be seen combing the area for evidence.

One eyewitness said the man had been 'stabbed three times' in the next following a high-speed car chase.

The eyewitness said: "We saw two cars racing after each other at high speed around New Chapel Street and Matthews Street.

"The cars then went into each other and they got out of their cars and a man was then stabbed by one of the offenders three times in the neck.

"We believe it could have been a dispute over drugs and it's just sad to see something like this happen round here."

Another resident, who lives on Matthews Street since 1971, said: "I just saw a police van and officers tape off an area of the street.

"I just thought it was a minor incident, so I'm shocked to discover it was a stabbing.

"I do get problems with young people drinking and shouting and swearing near the community centre.

"There is anti-social behaviour that goes on round here and I'm too scared to go out of the house at night.

"But we've always had this and you get it anywhere, and you still don't expect people to get stabbed.

"I hope the stab victim is okay."

Eyewitness Jonathan Garratty said the incident had happened outside a business premises in New Chapel Street.

He said: "The stabbing took place right in the centre of Mill Hill.

"There was bedding cloth on a chair outside a business premises with blood on it. 

"I saw six police cars and a rapid response vehicle.

"The main road going through Mill Hill has been taped off.

"The incident has happened near to the community centre and park.

"I'm just shocked by what has happened." 

Detectives are appealing for potential witnesses to come forward. 

A police spokesperson said: "We were called around 11.25am today to reports of an assault in New Chapel Street, Blackburn.

"Officers attended and a man, believed to be in his 20s, was found at the scene with several stab wounds.

"He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment and is currently in a stable condition.

"An investigation is underway and enquiries are on-going.

"This is believed to be an isolated attack with the victim known to the offenders."

"Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0603 of October 1."