10:00am Wednesday 4th July 2012
By Vanessa Cornall
A TEENAGER is fighting for his life in hospital after being found with serious neck injuries in Bacup town centre.
Former Whitworth High School pupil Connor Procter was found unconscious close to his flat in Back Burnley Street, Bacup on Monday.
A woman walking between Rosebank Street and Fern Street alerted the emergency services after discovering the 19-year-old shortly before 1pm.
Police closed off surrounding roads for around an hour, while paramedics from a land ambulance and the North West Air Ambulance battled to save him.
The air ambulance, which landed on a grassy area next to Bacup Hub, then conveyed the shop assistant to Royal Preston Hospital where his condition is described as ‘serious’.
His family including his mum and dad who live in Blackthorn Lane, Bacup and his sister Jess were at his bedside.
Bernadeta Herba-Winfield, a friend of the Accrington and Rossendale College student said Connor’s family and friends were ‘in total shock’.
She said: “I have known Connor for many years. His parents live next door to me.
“I just couldn’t believe it.
“My brother is very close to Connor, and he got a call from his family saying he is fighting on. I really hope he makes a full recovery. He is such a nice person.”
Police are not looking for anyone in relation to the incident. Scores of get well wishes have been left on the Performing Arts’ student’s Facebook site.
His sister Jess Procter posted: “Connor, I love you so much, words cannot describe how much you mean to me.
“You've scared the living hell out of me today.
“Knowing you’re still alive has kept me going. You’re my world. You’re my brother and I wouldn’t change you for the world.”
Another post by Bryony Jean Elvidge said; “Come on Connor you can pull through. Remember me and you are going into the home security business. BryCon forever. Loads of love for you.”
A work colleague at the One Stop in Bacup town centre, described Connor as a ‘great lad’.
A One Stop spokesman said: “Connor is a very popular member of staff, well-liked by everyone he works with.”
A police spokesman said: “Police were called just before 1pm to Rose Bank Street to report of concern for safety. The road was closed for short time to allow the air ambulance to land and a man was taken was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.”
A College spokesperson commented, ‘We were deeply saddened to hear about Connor and wish him a full recovery.’
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