THREE white men have been arrested by detectives following a "racially motivated attack" in which an Asian man was stabbed.

The victim, who has not been identified and is believed to be in his 40s, was walking at the rear of Blackburn Royal Infirmary at about midnight last night when he was approached by three white men and a fight broke out.

The man, believed to be from Haslingden, was stabbed and rushed into Blackburn Royal Infirmary where his condition was this morning described as comfortable.

His 18-year-old son was also injured during the fight but was not stabbed. Police were called to the scene by witnesses and arrested three white men shortly afterwards aged 27, 25 and 17.

They are currently in custody at Blackburn police station where they are being quizzed by detectives.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Hartley, who is leading the investigation into the incident, said: "Local residents from all ethnic origins are rightly shocked and disgusted at this racially motivated attack and people have given us statements.

"We are very pleased with the response of the public and grateful for their assistance in our investigations."

There are a number of detectives working on the investigation led by Detective Inspector Mark Gray of Blackburn CID.

There are also members of the minorities team who will be liaising with the family of the injured man and the community to keep them fully informed of what is occurring.

Mr Hartley stressed that the attack was not a premeditated attack.

Police said prior to the stabbing incident the man also attacked his 23-year-old partner leaving her with a broken nose which required treatment at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.