A MAN had to undergo an emergency life-saving operation after he was stabbed through one of his kidneys during an attack in Nelson Town Centre.

Doctors were left with no other option than to remove the 23-year-old victim's kidney during surgery following the attack in the early hours of Saturday.

The man, who is local but has not been identified by police, was walking home through Nelson Town centre at around 2.55am with two friends.

Detectives investigating the incident said when the group reached the Stanley Street the junction with Manchester Road there was an exchange of words with a group of teenagers including four boys and a girl before he was stabbed with what police believe could have been a knife.

The disturbance was picked up by officers watching CCTV monitors and police and paramedics were quickly at the scene.

His condition was yesterday said to be serious but stable. Detective Inspector Pete Broome said: "The 23-year-old man was stabbed in the back and one of his kidneys was lacerated.

"His friends were more concerned about the condition of the victim when the offenders dispersed.

"He has undergone emergency surgery to remove the kidney and is now in Intensive Care at Burnley General Hospital."

Mr Broome added: "I would appeal for anyone in the area of the town centre between 2am and 3am who saw that altercation to get in touch with police.

"The group were all wearing teenager type clothing including tracksuit bottoms and hooded tops."

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

l Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident and were last night being quizzed by detectives.