SEVEN men have been questioned by detectives investigating the stabbing of man through one of his kidneys.

The 23-year-old Pendle man was stabbed in the early hours of Saturday by the junction of Stanley Street and Manchester Road in Nelson.

Police said one of the man's kidneys was pierced after becoming involved in an argument.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he underwent emergency life-saving surgery to remove the kidney.

Last night he was said to be in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit.

Three people were arrested and released without charge over the weekend a further four people were arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Det Insp Pete Broome said: "He is marking a slow but encouraging recovery."