A PENSIONER suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being attacked by a girl who police believe he may have known.

Police are investigating whether the youngster had "got to know" the 77-year-old before the incident, which happened both in his house and in a nearby back alley.

The victim is now undergoing treatment at Royal Blackburn Hospital but his condition last night was serious but stable.

Det Insp Jonathan Holmes said it was a "cowardly attack" on a vulnerable person.

Audley ward councillor Salim Lorgat said the attack was "revolting".

Det Insp Holmes said police were called after the man was found wandering near the Fountain Inn, in Accrington Road, Blackburn.

He told officers that he was attacked in his home in Accrington Road just before 9pm on Tuesday evening.

Police said that just minutes later there was a further attack at the rear of his home in an alley.

The man was not robbed, but he was left badly injured Mr Homes said: "The gentleman has suffered massive bleeding from his injuries.

"It was a cowardly attack on a man of that age.

"We believe that the girl had got to know the victim in recent weeks but the exact nature of the relationship isn't clear."

He said that officers are not discounting the possibility that there may have been a gang of people involved in the attack.

Coun Lorgat, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for neighbourhoods, said: "This is actually quite a good area. But if there is an issue with youngsters hanging around, I will address it through the community policing programme.

"When something like this happens it is very bad news. I take incidents like this very seriously indeed. When it happens to elderly and frail people it makes it even more disturbing."

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log reference number 260eq/201107. Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 14-year-old girl has been arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of causing the injuries.