A MAN suffered a fractured skull in an early-morning town centre attack.

Detectives have launched an investigation following the incident in St James Street, Burnley, at 5.15am on Sunday.

It follows reports a man in his 30s was found collapsed on the pavement.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with a fractured skull. His condition is currently described as 'stable'.

A 21-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He has been released pending further investigation.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at around 5.15am on Sunday to reports of an assault on St James Street in Burnley.

"A man in his 30s was found collapsed on the pavement and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with a suspected fractured skull. He remains in hospital and his condition is described as stable.

"A 21-year-old man from Burnley was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault – GBH and has since been released under investigation.

"Our enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 319 of May 5.