SHAKEN residents described their horror after a man was left in a serious condition following a stabbing in broad daylight. 

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to Walnut Street, Blackburn, which runs between Cedar Street and Whalley New Road, shortly before 4pm on Saturday. 

Upon arrival a man in his fifties was found in a serious condition having received stab wounds during an assault, with officers now searching for three Asian men in connection with the incident.

The victim remains in hospital in what is believed to be a stable condition.

Ward councillor for the Bastwell and Daisyfield ward Shaukat Hussain said: “I am quite shocked to hear that this has happened in our neighbourhood. It is not the kind of thing we see around here and it really is not expected.

“I would ask for calm in the community at this time and for people to contact the police if they have any information which may be able to assist in the investigation.”
“Hopefully the police will get to the bottom of what has happened as quickly as possible.”

Another man, who lives locally, said: “I didn’t see what happened nor do I know any of those involved, but I can say it is really frightening to know something like this has happened in the middle of the day. Things seem to be getting worse in the town.”

Barry Sims had been passing the area when he saw the air ambulance landing on the car park off Beech Street.

He said: “It’s been such a nice day and you can tell people are delighted to be able to get out and about again, seeing some family. To hear what has gone on is so sad. I can only hope that the man makes a full recovery.”

A police cordon remained in place on Walnut Street on Saturday evening as officers investigated the incident. 

As it stands, no arrests have been made. 

The offenders are described as Asian men aged around 25-30. The first had a bald or shaven head, medium build and average height, wearing a dark bubble gilet and white short sleeved t-shirt; the second wore dark clothing; the third wore a black Nike air top.

Det Sgt Steve Craig, of East CID, said: “This incident has left a man with some very serious injuries and he is lucky to be alive. I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, has captured any footage or who has any information which could help us identify the offenders to come forward urgently.”
Contact police quoting log 1092 of April 3.