a man was found unconscious in Bacup town centre with a suspected fractured skull.

Police believe he may have been attacked and have launched an appeal for witnesses.

The 41-year-old man from Bacup is thought to have been on a night out.

He was found in the early hours of Sunday morning at the corner of Union Street and Rochdale Road, opposite the Queen’s public house.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene shortly after 12.30am by a member of the public.

Detective Sergeant Mark Gillibrand of Rossendale CID said: “We received a call from a member of the public who had found a man collapsed with head injuries in Bacup town centre in the early hours of Sunday.

“At this stage it is unclear how the man received those injuries and I would appeal to anyone who was around Bacup town centre late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning to think back to whether they saw anything suspicious.

“At this stage the man is unable to remember what he had been doing prior to receiving these injuries and we are currently investigating whether the man was attacked or received the injuries during a fall.”

He added: “I urge anybody who saw anything no matter how insignificant they think it is, to contact us directly on 0845 1 25 32 45 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Paramedics took the man to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment.

His condition is thought not to be too serious but he has been kept in for observation.