POLICE have moved to reassure residents after seven people were stabbed in a spate of incidents over the weekend in East Lancashire.

Three people remain in hospital suffering serious injuries following the incidents, which led to three people being arrested for attempted murder.

One man had to have a kidney removed following a stabbing at his home.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Kay said residents should remain calm following the incidents.

He said: “Whilst there have been a number of serious incidents, the majority were domestic related and none of the offences were connected.

“This should not detract from the severity of the crimes which have been committed although people should be reassured that Lancashire Constabulary is committed to reducing the number of incidents involving knives and continues to take a robust and proactive approach to tackling knife crime.”

On Thursday a man was stabbed in the back during a street robbery in Cloister Drive, Darwen, then the following day a man was stabbed in the chest in Empress Street, Accrington.

A man has now been charged with attempted murder in the Accrington incident.

On Saturday a man was stabbed in the chest at a house party in Cherry Crescent, Oswaldtwistle, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested.

Later that night a woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Bacup. He had a kidney removed.

On Sunday a woman was stabbed at a house in St Herbert’s Road, Great Harwood. Also on Sunday two women were stabbed at a domestic disturbance in Olive Lane, Darwen.

One man also suffered knife wounds and was held on suspicion of attempted murder.