TWO people who were arrested after a man was stabbed multiple times in Padiham have been bailed until August 12th pending further enquiries.

The 40-year-old victim was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after suffering leg and back injuries.

Police cordoned off part of the pavement on Burnley Road, near to the The Picture House art gallery, following the incident and yesterday forensic officers searched the area for evidence.

Officers had been called by the ambulance service after reports of a man being seriously injured in the centre of the town.

A witness near the scene said: “There was a disturbance and then later I saw police taking out some men from the building across the road which I think is a flat.

“I’m not sure what happened but there was broken glass all over the road and police put up tape along the side of the road.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We received a call from the ambulance service at around 6.15pm on Sunday following a report of a man being stabbed.

“The victim is a 40 year-old local man who had multiple stab wounds.

“The injuries were not serious and he has been released from hospital.

“A 31 year-old woman and from Padiham and a 27 year-old man from Blackburn have been arrested under section 18 wounding and are currently in police custody.”

A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service added: “We attended an incident in Padiham at 6.15pm on Sunday night.

“A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance were deployed and a man was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 6.39pm.

“Police were informed.”

DS 2214 Zoe Russo of Burnley CID said: “I would urge anyone with information about this incident to get in touch on 01282 472118 quoting log number 1147 of June 21st.”

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.