BREAKING: Drains searched as stab probe continues

A police officer looks on as two council workers search the drains in Lytham Road, South Shore, close to where a man was stabbed

The 26-year-old was walking home from the Auctioneer pub, where he had been drinking with friends, when he was asked for a cigarette by a man and a woman at the junction with Watson Road.

He refused and was knifed in the stomach, and punched numerous times, as two other men joined in the attack, which happened at around 1.40pm on Saturday.

The victim was left with head and abdomen injuries, and is in a serious but not life-threatening condition at Royal Preston Hospital.

DC Lee Kelly of Blackpool CID said: “This was a vicious assault on the victim who was making his way home after he had enjoyed an evening out with friends.

“He has suffered some nasty injuries as a result of this attack and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed what happened.

“We know that there was a party nearby at an address on Lytham Road that night and we would like to hear from anyone who was at that party and may have any information about the incident that could help with our enquiries.”

A 16 year old boy and an 18 year old man, both from Blackpool, were arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding and later released on bail pending further enquiries.

The two council workers used tools search the drains in Lytham Road, South Shore, close to where a man was stabbed

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 108 of 3rd December.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.