A MAN was stabbed with a kitchen knife at a barbecue and was last night being treated in intensive care.

The 26-year-old victim was left with a punctured kidney after an argument broke out during the get-together with friends at a house in Blackburn.

Detectives and paramedics were called and the police helicopter was sent up.

A man and a woman, both 19, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

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The man was released with police intending to take no further action against him. The woman was still being questioned by officers last night.

Neighbours in Borrowdale Avenue, Shadsworth, said they were horrified to hear about what had happened on their doorstep.

Det Sgt Eric Halford, from CID, said: “The victim was at a barbecue and having drinks in the street. They were enjoying the sun.

“But an argument broke out between the people and it led to violence.

“Somebody pulled a knife from within the house.

“The ambulance service was called and we located the weapon at the scene.”

The man, who has not been named, suffered a stab wound on his right side and was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital, where he was treated in the intensive care department.

His condition was described as serious, but not life-threatening.

Soon after the police the force helicopter was sent up to search for the attacker who it was reported had fled the scene.

Oficers were going door to door yesterday as part of their investigation.

One Borrowdale Avenue resident said: “It is very worrying that someone got stabbed and I was shocked when I looked out of the window and saw all the police.”

Another said: “There were loads of police cars and an ambulance.

“It is normally quite quiet down here.

“It is scary knowing something so horrible has happened on my doorstep.”

Det Sgt Halford appealed for anybody who might have seen what happened to talk to the police.

He said: “The victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, but this was obviously a serious assault.

“We have spoken to a number of people, but if anybody can offer us any more information, please give us a call.”

Anybody with information about the incident which happened at around 9.20pm on Wednesday should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.