A message of reassurance has been issued in Ribbleton in the wake of a horrific attack.

Preston Police launched an attempted murder investigation after a man in his 60s was found seriously injured in Ribbleton Hall Drive.

Blog Preston can confirm the man, who has been named locally and by Preston Labour councillors, as Mr Carlisle, remains in a ‘very poorly’ condition in hospital after the attack early on Wednesday 12 March.

Read more: Ribbleton councillor tells of terrifying knife threat incident

The statement has been issued jointly by Ribbleton councillors Anna Hindle, Patricia Varty and Jonathan Saksena – saying they are very concerned about the cohesion and safety of their community.

Police said in a statement during Thursday afternoon a man in his 30s has now been detained under the mental health act. He was arrested under suspicion of attempted murder.

Blog Preston has previously reported the man arrested to be a white British male, who was brought down with a taser at the scene – having to be shot twice by officers before being restrained.

The attack on Mr Carlisle took place at 6.15am and left him in a pool of blood with serious head injuries. Blog Preston has seen graphic video footage of the incident.

Cllr Patricia Varty said: “The incident happened 25 yards from my house, so I fully understand the unsettlement felt in the community and we really want to give you all of our support.”

The statement from the Ribbleton councillor also addresses rumours which were swirling on social media in the wake of the attack – which closed Ribbleton Hall Drive for 24-hours near Moor Nook Primary School.

The Ribbleton councillors said: “Following the assault that took place yesterday at Ribbleton Hall Drive, Preston City Cllr Varty, Cllr Saksena and Cllr Hindle wish to send our thoughts and prayers with the victim Mr Carlisle and to his family and friends.

“We understand that the community are shocked by these sad events and please reach out to us should you need support.

“We would like to reassure residents that the rumours of the assailant’s heritage being from a foreign country were incorrect and he is in-fact a British born resident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or information can be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

Blog Preston has contacted Lancashire Constabulary for further comment.

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