DETECTIVES have issued a photo of a suspect they want to speak to in connection with an assault in which a man was stabbed.

Police said the victim suffered a puncture lung in an attack at a property in Thornfield Avenue, Waterfoot.

He was taken to Royal Manchester Hospital where his condition was described as serious.

Police want to speak to 25-year-old Andrew Williams, also known as ‘Suntan’ and 'Tan', in connection the attack which happened at 2.25am on September 8.

He is described as being 6ft 2ins and of medium build. He has short dark hair, a cut to his forehead and speaks with a local accent.

Williams, of no fixed address, has links to Waterfoot and Bacup.

DC Heather McAtee, of Burnley CID, said: “If you see Andrew Williams, please don’t approach him, but let us know immediately.

“Andrew - if you are reading this, please attend the nearest police station.”

Anyone with information should call 01282 472511, or failing that, 101, quoting crime reference EF1813988.