A MAN was fighting for his life today after a an alleged assault in a Burnley street.

The man, 39, who has not been named, suffered head and chest injuries in the incident and underwent emergency surgery to relieve blot clots on his brain yesterday.

He was today transferred to Hope Hospital, Salford, and was critical on a ventilator.

Police believe he was attacked near the youth club in Glebe Street, Burnley Wood at about 3am on New Year's Day.

He was discovered lying in the street by passers-by and taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital because of his head injury.

He also suffered three broken ribs.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Officers are carrying out house to house inquiries in the Glebe Street area. One woman resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I don't know much about it but I have heard that there was an attack.

"I was in bed at the time and I heard some noise outside in the street, as you sometimes do, but I just assumed it was someone drunk passing by.

"This is generally a very quiet area with a good community spirit and there is never normally any trouble at all so it was a real shock when I heard about this."

Det Insp Stuart Barlow said: "This man suffered horrendous injuries and we are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. This man is very poorly but we are hoping he will pull through."

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault by detectives yesterday afternoon and was due to be questioned today.