Staff at a shop said they assisted a 'bloodied' young man after he staggered in asking for help.

The man had entered the Chapel Stores on Olive Lane just after 7pm on Monday with injuries to his leg.

Police have said the man had been stabbed in his leg and had his car stolen.

The police and ambulance service were immediately called as staff tended to his injuries.

Police cordoned off the store and the street for several hours until late into the night yesterday (Monday March 13).

A staff member who did not wish to be named said: “It was not something you see everyday in this area.

“He appeared to have some sort of injury to his leg area. Staff gave him water and stemmed the blood flow. They helped as much as they could.

“We think he was okay and it did not seem to be serious as he managed to walk out to the ambulance after.

“We don’t really know how he got injured and what happened to him.”

Police investigating the incident closed off the shop for the evening.

The staff member added: “The area was taped off for four hours and we stayed here cleaning up until after midnight.”

The store was open as normal today (Tuesday March 14).

A police spokesperson said: "We were called to Olive Lane, Darwen, at 7.42pm yesterday (March 13) to reports an 18-year-old man had been stabbed in the leg and had his Ford Fiesta stolen.

"The 18-year-old victim was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not thought to be serious.

"No arrests have been made at this stage. Enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1188 of March 13, 2023."