DETECTIVES are continuing to investigate into a serious assault last week.

At around 6pm on Friday, December 1, Donald Burton was assaulted, potentially with a hammer, outside his home in Rossetti Avenue, Burnley.

The 73-year-old man remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Police are investigating the attack for which there is currently no motive and they are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Detective chief inspector Marie Haworth said: "The victim of this assault remains in a very serious condition in hospital and our enquiries are on-going.

"The motive for this assault remains unclear at this stage but we have a team of detectives and uniformed officers and staff working hard to identify those responsible.

"We are carrying out house to house enquiries in the area and checking CCTV but we also need the public’s help.

"I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious on Friday evening, or in the lead up to this incident, to get in touch.

“Incidents like this are extremely rare but as an extra precaution I would advise people to be careful when opening the door, especially at night, to ensure you know who is there when you answer."

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting log number 1192 of December 1.