A TEENAGER is critically ill in hospital after a brutal attack by a 20-strong gang.

The teen was dragged from his black Audi car in Blackburn and beaten by a group of men armed with baseball bats and wearing balaclavas, police said.

The 19-year-old was found injured in Logwood Street, Bastwell.

He was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, suffering from a fractured skull and broken jaw.

He was then transferred to Royal Preston Hospital and has undergone surgery.

His condition was today described as critical but stable.

Three men aged 23, 26 and 27, all from Blackburn, were arrested this morning on suspicion of assault.

Chief Inspector Mark Gray said: "This is a brutal attack on a young man by a large number of people who were wielding weapons.

"The victim has sustained extremely serious injuries and has his family at his bedside.

“We believe up to 20 people, all wearing balaclavas were involved in this assault and I would ask any witnesses to come forward."

The incident happened on Sunday at 11.30pm, but police only released details this afternoon.

Mr Gray said: "Although the incident happened very late on Sunday night I would also appeal to local residents to contact us if they saw any of these people fleeing from the scene.

"It is possible that they could have had vehicles parked in side streets or could have been spotted running from the area.

“I would also make a direct appeal to any of those people involved to give themselves up and contact police.

"So far we have arrested three people in connection with this investigation and we are actively seeking others.

"I would urge those with any involvement to surrender themselves at a police station where they can be questioned.”

Anyone witnesses or anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 08451 25 35 45.