TREATMENT for patients suffering from violence-related injuries fell in 2011.

A study of 42 emergency departments and minor injury units, including four centres in East Lancashire, were included in the national study of trends in serious violence.

Data relating to the age, gender and attendance date of those treated for violence-related injuries were collected from these centres, which include Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, Burnley Urgent Care Centre, the Royal Blackburn Hospital and the Royal Blackburn Urgent Care Centre.

Nationally there were 10,979 fewer people being treated for violence-related injuries such as assault in 2011 - a drop of four per cent compared to the previous year.

Apart from a seven per cent increase in 2008, levels have fallen every year since 2001.

Almost half of those treated for violence-related injury were aged 18-30.

Over 70 per cent were men and most admissions took place on Saturday and Sunday.

Violent injury of men and women fell by 5.3 per cent and 1 per cent respectively in 2011 compared to 2010.