A MAN was stabbed in his stomach and back after a fight broke out in a shop in Brierfield.

Witnesses today claimed the man was stabbed when an argument broke out over the price of a case of fruit.

However, police said they still did not know the motive for the stabbing or the weapon used.

Police said a row began in Faisal's Mini Market and Asian Grocers, Colne Road, which spilled out into the street.

A 36-year-old man from Brierfield was taken to Burnley General Hospital suffering stab wounds to his back and stomach. His injuries were not life-threatening. Last night he was in a comfortable condition, police said.

Two men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of wounding following the incident, at about 6.50pm on Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Richard Debicki said the exact details of the stabbing were still not clear.

He said: "I understand the incident was the result of an altercation in the shop which then moved outside.

"A small number of people were involved and I am sure a number of onlookers and passers-by would have stopped to see what was happening.

"I would like to reassure the local community that we are treating this incident very seriously."

The shop was cordoned off while forensic tests were carried out.

A security guard at the nearby Co-op store said a man bleeding from his forehead and whose shirt was covered in blood went into the supermarket just after 7pm wanting to buy a bottle of water before sitting on the pavement.

He added: "A group of about 40 or 50 had come out into the streets to see what had been happening and the next minute a police car pulled up."

People in the area claimed the argument was over a case of fruit.

A resident who lives in neighbouring Robson Street added: "We heard the noise but when we came out of the house it was all over. There are blood marks all over the pavement. I can't believe such a thing could happen because of a case of fruit."

Call Nelson CID on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.