AN INJURED man was found on a railway track after lying there throughout the night.

British Transport Police said Raymond Shackleton suffered a glancing blow on the Colne to Preston line at the entrance to Brierfield Tunnel last night.

He was spotted at 5.55am today on the Nelson side of the tunnel by the driver of the first train of the day, heading towards Colne.

He had suffered serious head injuries and was today in a critical condition fighting for his life.

He was transferred from Burnley General Hospital to Royal Preston Hospital later this morning.

Mr Shackleton, of Branch Road, Burnley, is thought to be in his 20s or early 30s.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Services between Colne and Rosegrove were disrupted for a short time.

A minibus service operated between the stations until 8am when train services resumed.

Sergeant Paul Moores said: "The driver of the first train left Brierfield going towards Colne.

"He saw the body of a man. It is not clear where he was on the track although I would think he would be at the side.

"The driver stopped a short distance further on and telephoned for assistance.

"It would appear the man was struck a glancing blow to the head resulting in very serious head injuries.

"We think he was struck by the last train last night just before midnight but the driver was not aware and the man had been lying there all night.

"We have looked at the train but there are no signs of contact."

Sgt Moores said he would be getting statements from both train drivers.

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