A 32-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an early-morning street attack.

Officers were called shortly after 4.30am today to reports a man had been assaulted in Edgar Street, Accrington, with a baseball bat.

A 48-year-old man, who was found unconscious in the street, suffered a fractured skull and bleed on the brain as a result of the attack.

He was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Inspector Craig Kelshaw said: “At 4.40 this morning police were called to Edgar Street, Accrington.

“On arrival we found a 48-year-old man who had been seriously assaulted.

“He was taken by ambulance staff to Royal Preston Hospital suffering serious head injuries.

“A 32-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.

“An investigation is now under way.”

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: “An ambulance crew was sent to an incident on Edgar Street just after 4.40am on Friday.

“Paramedics assessed a man at the scene and then conveyed him to Royal Preston Hospital where he needed treatment for serious head injuries.”

Police are now appealing for information about the assault and are asking any potential witnesses to contact DS Sarah Hargreaves on 3452@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or call 101quoting log number 160 of January 25.

Alternatively they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.