Police respond to rumours of acid attack after man suffers serious burns in Blackburn

Rumours swiftly circulated online suggesting that the man had been a victim of an acid attack in King William Street at around 12pm.

These rumours have now been acknowledged by Lancashire Police, who have issued a statement to clarify what has happened to him.

The force has confirmed that the man has not been attacked with acid, but has been involved in a serious accident.

The sight of the distressed man, who appeared to have serious burns visible on his face, had shocked shoppers in the town centre and led to a frenzy of speculation.

This afternoon, a police spokesman said: "We are aware of rumours circulating on social media about a suspected acid attack in Blackburn today and we want to let you know what has actually happened.

"We were called at shortly after midday to the report that a man had been seen with burns in the town centre on King William Street.

"Emergency Services attended and the man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition.

"The incident is believed to be an accidental injury and no third party was involved.

"If you know anything about it, please call us on 101 quoting incident reference 603 of September 17."