AN Accrington man was today critically ill after being beaten around the head with a hammer as he lay in bed.

Andrew O'Connor, 41, of Augusta Street, sustained serious head injuries in the attack at his home at 6am on Sunday. Police said his girlfriend, aged 25, was asleep in bed with him at the time of the assault.

Police and paramedics were called to the property, where Mr O'Connor had lived for around six months with his partner - who neighbours said was called Leanne - and he was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Police confirmed that he was transferred to a specialist head injury unit at the Royal Preston Hospital where staff have described his condition as "critical but stable".

Blackburn detectives said officers had recovered a hammer from the scene which was being tested by forensic experts.

The house had been sealed off as a crime scene. Mr O'Connor's neighbours said they were shocked by the attack and described him as "a lovely bloke".

One neighbour, who lives opposite Mr O'Connor, said: "Everyone is friends with Andy and he is liked by everyone in the street.

"It is has really shaken everyone up.

"I used to always sleep with my front door unlocked but for the first time ever this week I locked it before going to bed - it is really frightening.

"I just don't understand it"

Another neighbour, who lives three doors away, added: "His father came round yesterday and is absolutely devastated.

"Nobody deserves that happening to them.

"Andy never had a bad word to say about anybody and we just hope he pulls through."

Detective Sergeant Paul Ryan said: "At 6am on Sunday a man appears to have barged into the bedroom of this property where a 41-year-old man and his 25-year-old girlfriend were sleeping and has hit the man around the head with a hammer.

"The victim has sustained very serious injuries."

A 27-year-old Accrington man was arrested and later charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and aggravated burglary.