A man has been taken to hospital with serious burns after an incident in Blackburn town centre.

Emergency services were called to King William Street around 12pm after receiving reports that a man had been seen with burns.

Rumours circulating on social media stated that an acid attack had taken place.

These rumours are not true.

A spokesperson for the police 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 around 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."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Eye-witness, Michelle Ayres said: "It happened around dinnertime, just after 12, outisde the McDonalds.

"All the kids were stood around watching.

"Someone was lying on the floor at the entrance to Santander.

"The ambulance, police and the fire service were there and they had some screens up."

Anyone with information about the incident should call the police on 101 quoting incident reference 603 of September 17.