A MAN who was left fighting for his life after being allegedly stabbed in the head has said his first words after regaining consciousness.

Barry Dixon, 35, was found by an off-duty police community support officer in St Phillip's Street, Blackburn, on Saturday March 22.

Mr Dixon, formerly of Brazley Avenue, Horwich, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital. He was later moved to Royal Blackburn Hospital where his condition is now said to be improving.

He has managed to speak his first words since the alleged attack but officers have not yet been able to quiz him about what happened to him.

However, police believe he was attacked at an address in Curzon Place, Bank Top, and then managed to flee to nearby St Phillip's Street, where he collapsed at about 4.50pm.

DC Mick Ingram, of Blackburn CID, said: "Mr Dixon's condition is improving, although he is still quite poorly. He has managed to say a couple of words but he is still not be fit to be interviewed fully."

Joshua Rivers, 19, of Bramwell House in Heaton Street, Blackburn, has been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent and Pamela Hunt, 42, of Curzon Place, Blackburn, has been charged with Section 47 assault.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at a later date Another woman, 23, who was arrested, has since been released without charge.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw Mr Dixon staggering through the streets in Blackburn, to contact them with information on 01254 51212. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.