TWO men are in Burnley General Hospital - one with serious stab wounds - after two separate attacks in East Lancashire.

One of the victims, a 27-year-old man from Kenilworth Drive, Earby, was stabbed in the head and abdomen as he returned from a night out drinking with a friend.

Policeman David Cunliffe drove the ambulance to Burnley General Hospital while two paramedics dealt with his injuries.

The injured man underwent emergency surgery and his condition this morning was said to be comfortable.

The incident happened at about 2.30am in Earlsdon Avenue on the North Holme estate.

Detective Inspector Dave Lea said: "Two friends had been out together drinking. They were making their way home in the early hours when there was some kind of altercation and one of them suffered stab wounds to the head and abdomen.

"Because the injuries were at first thought to be life threatening and because of the nature of the bleeding it was decided a policeman should drive the ambulance allowing the two paramedics to attend to the man's wounds.''

Another 27-year-old man from the same estate was arrested and was being questioned by detectives today.

The other incident happened in Princess Street , Padiham, at 11.45pm yesterday when an 18-year-old suffered a punctured lung caused by a broken rib.

Two people were arrested and are also today being interviewed by officers.

Witnesses to either incident is asked to contact police on 01282 425001.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.