Police launch investigation after Blackpool fan critically injured in disorder following Burnley match

The incident occurred at around 7pm, when an altercation broke out involving around 15 people outside The Manchester pub, at the junction of Lytham Road and the Promenade.

Officers were in the area of the pub following the Blackpool versus Burnley football match and they attended and found a man had suffered a serious head injury. They administered CPR at the scene and the man, aged in his 50s, was subsequently taken to hospital, where he remains.

It is believed the altercation broke out between a number of football fans, with the man being injured as part of this incident. At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding and he remains in custody.

An investigation has now been launched and we are working with both Blackpool and Burnley football clubs to establish who else was involved in the incident and what exactly occurred.

Police are also asking anybody with information about what happened to get in touch.

Det. Chief Insp Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, said: “Officers were in the Promenade and Lytham Road area when they were made aware of a group of people fighting outside the nearby Manchester pub. Officers were in immediate attendance and provided medical assistance, before the man was taken to hospital.

“He remains in a critical condition and his next of kin are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“A man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody while our enquiries continue.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to identify anybody who may have been involved. This type of violence is simply not acceptable on the streets of Lancashire.

“We are now appealing for information and are asking anybody who can help to get in touch straight away. Perhaps you have mobile phone or dashcam footage, or perhaps you saw all or part of the incident as it happened. Whatever you know, please tell us.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting log 1262 of March 4th, or report it online at doitonline.lancashire.police.uk.