A MAN is in a medically-induced coma after being assaulted at a nightclub in Darwen this morning.

Police were called to the scene at Level One Nightclub in Market Street at around 3.10am.

A 29-year-old man suffered a bleed on the brain and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

His condition has been described as 'critical'.

Officers took the decision to close the club and secure the scene due to the seriousness of the assault.

Police spent almost three hours emptying the building, which had around 200 people inside.

The building had been emptied by around 4.45am.

Many people still wanting to get into the club were 'hostile' towards officers, police said. 

A 27-year-old man from Darwen was arrested and has been bailed until November 15. 

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police.

Temp Det Insp Zoe Russo, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “The victim has sustained a significant head injury and is currently in hospital with his family by his side.

“While we have made one arrest, I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that may assist the investigation to contact us.

“Many people were inside the club at the time of the offence and we believe someone must have seen what happened.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20161015-0183.