A MAN was today recovering in hospital following an assault outside a pub which left him with serious head injuries.

Andrew Vickery, 30, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary by ambulance after he was found outside the Black Bull Hotel in Old Langho Road, Old Langho on Friday night. His condition was today described as "serious".

Police were also called to the scene after ambulance crews alerted them to the incident which happened at just after 6pm. Inspector Bob Ford of Clitheroe Police said eight alleged offenders had left the scene following the assault but were later stopped in a vehicle by officers on the A59 and arrested.

They have since been quizzed and released on police bail pending further enquiries. All the men are thought to be from the Blackpool area.

Nobody at the Black Bull Hotel was available for comment.