Blackburn man left fighting for his life after being attacked at home (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn man left fighting for his life after being attacked at home

9:18am Monday 25th February 2013 in News By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter

A MAN savagely attacked by three men in his home was last night fighting for his life.

An attempted murder investigation has been launched after the late-night attack in Coleridge Street, Bank Top, Blackburn.

The 41-year-old was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital after suffering a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain in the attack around 1am yesterday.

Last night he was in an induced coma and his condition was described as critical.

Police said the victim was at home when three men burst in and attacked him.

Detectives think the motive could be a row over money.

People living nearby said they were shocked and upset to hear what had happened on their doorstep.

One 93-year-old woman said: “I can’t believe this has happened just a few doors away from my home.

“This estate has changed a lot in the 60 years I have lived here. It used to be much nicer.”

Another neighbour said: “To have this happen in your street is terrifying. I have children and to think these people did this just yards away is horrible.

“I have been on to the council about this area. It’s getting really bad, something more needs to be done.”

Terrance Hayes, 61, who lives one street away in Hardman Street, said: “I can’t say I am surprised. Something like this has been brewing for a long time.

“I just hope he is OK.”

A police cordon was in place all day yesterday preventing motorists from driving to Montrose Street via Coleridge Street.

Extra patrols were set up and officers carried out house-to-house inquiries.

One neighbour said: “To see so many police officers on a Sunday morning was really unnerving.

“I am shocked something so nasty has happened.

“The guy who lived there just keeps himself to himself.”

Another neighbour said: “This is the exact reason why I am moving out today. I just don’t feel safe.

“I really hope the police catch whoever did this.”

Crime scene investigators dressed in white suits were examining a smashed front downstairs window at the scene.

A police spokesman said: “We are still at a very early stage of this investigation and we are currently trying to establish exactly what has gone on.

“We are treating the investigation at this stage as attempted murder.

“I appeal to anyone who saw anything suspiciously in or around Coleridge Street around 1am on Sunday to come forward.

“I also urge anyone who saw three men entering Coleridge Street or running away from the address around the same time in the direction of Stancliffe Street to contact police as they could hold key information.”

Witnesses should call police on 101.