A man and a woman are in a 'very serious condition' in hospital after being attacked in their home on Sunday evening.

Police were called to Roberts Street in Nelson just after 10pm on Sunday after receiving reports of a disturbance.

When they arrived, officers discovered a man and a woman with serious head injuries.

They were taken to hospital where they remain.

A man, also in his 50s, has been arrested on suspicion of assault and police have now launched a full investigation into the events surrounding the incident.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We were called shortly after 10pm on Sunday July 4 to reports of a disturbance at an address on Roberts Street in Nelson.

"Officers attended the address where they found a man and a woman, both in their 50s, with serious head injuries.

"They were both taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where they remain in a very serious condition.

"A man in his 50s was arrested at an address on Heights Road in Nelson a short time later.

"He remains in custody on suspicion of assault.

"An investigation has been launched and enquiries are underway."

Detective Chief Inspector Al Davies, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This incident has left two people with very serious injuries and while we have made an arrest our enquiries are very much continuing and remain at a relatively early stage.

“The family of the two victims are being supported by specially trained officers and my thoughts are with them at this time.

“We have a dedicated team of detectives working on this enquiry and I would appeal for anyone with information which could assist to get in touch.

“I appreciate the incident may have caused some concern in the local community and I would reassure people that our enquiries so far lead us to believe that the parties involved were known to one another.

“We will, however, have extra patrols out and about in the area over the next few days and should anyone have concerns, or information, I would urge them to approach an officer.

“I would like to thank the community for their co-operation and support during our enquiries so far.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 1786 of July 4 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.