Blackburn man suffers head injuries after being hit with bottle at house party (From Blackburn Citizen)

Blackburn man suffers head injuries after being hit with bottle at house party

11:00am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News

A MAN suffered serious head injuries after being hit with a glass bottle and falling down a flight of stairs during a party at his home.

Police said Roy Pickering received severe cuts to his head and extensive pain and bruising to the rest of his body in yesterday’s early morning incident.

The 43-year-old had been out drinking in Blackburn town centre on Thursday evening before returning home with some friends to carry on the party, officers said.

In his Fawcett Close home, in the Galligreaves area of the town, an argument broke out.

Detectives investigating the incident said Mr Pickering had been standing at the top of the stairs when he was hit around the head with a glass bottle.

He then fell down a full flight of stairs.

His attacker fled the property along with the rest of the party guests.

Police said the victim, who is thought to have have been knocked unconscious by the fall, managed to alert police around 5am.

He was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment, which included a number of head scans.

Catherine Flood, 48, who lives in nearby Dickinson Close, said: “I am not surprised police are having to investigate another serious incident around here.

“It’s only a few weeks ago police were here investigating the attempted murder of a man in Coleridge Street.

“This area is getting worse. We need more bobbies on the beat.

“Around here at night is crazy. People get drunk and do all sorts of things to each other.”

Another resident said: “I am so used to seeing police around here that hearing there has been another serious incident doesn’t surprise me.”

DS Marc Saunders, of Blackburn CID, who is leading the investigation, is now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

He said: “Mr Pickering has been assaulted in his own home and left with serious lacerations to the left side of his head.

“The victim had been out drinking in Blackburn town centre before returning home with friends.

“It is while they have been in his home in Fawcett Close an argument has ensued and an attacker has hit the victim over the head with a glass bottle.

“The attacker and the others who had been drinking in the property have then left between 4am and 5am.

“I appeal for anyone who saw anyone coming and going in Fawcett Close between these times to come forward and contact police.”

Mr Pickering is recovering in hospital and his condition was last night described as stable.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.