THE victim of an assault is in a “serious” condition in hospital after he was attacked and then knocked down by a car.

The accident happened in Halliwell Road at about 7.20pm on Monday. It is understood there was a “disturbance” in the Mama Mia takeaway shortly before the incident.

It is believed the man, thought to be Hungarian and in his 40s, was attacked and chased out of the takeaway.

Police have not been able to confirm if he was stabbed.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and was last night being questioned by police.

Police said the assault and crash are not thought to be linked.

The man suffered head injuries from the smash, but police say his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Workers in nearby shops did not see what happened, but saw the aftermath.

One, who asked not to be named, said: “There were lots of police down here and the road was taped off until about 12.30am. We thought it might have been a fatality given that length of time. We have heard rumours of what has happened but we don’t know what to believe.”

Another man, who also asked to remain anonymous, added: “It doesn’t surprise me at all, it is like a ghetto round here. There is always stuff going on. I just keep out of it.”

Mama Mia was closed yesterday and no-one was answering the phone. A police spokesman said: “The man was taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.”