A FAMILY tried to kidnap their sister’s lesbian lover so they could send their sister to Pakistan.

Sarah Jane Harrison was dragged by her hair and repeatedly punched in the face and arm as three of her partner’s sisters tried to bundle her into the back of a car.

They also stole the 35-year-old’s handbag in a bid to find out information about where their sister Nazma Ditta was staying, while brother Tahmoor Ditta threatened Miss Harrison’s friend with a pointed blade.

After a struggle, the victim was left in the street.

Police said sisters Atfah and Ghazala Ditta and Nighat Morris pounced on Miss Harrison as she walked in Victoria Street, Blackburn, to her car following a shift at clothing shop USC in The Mall.

In the days leading up to the attack on June 20, members of the Ditta family had asked staff at the store where the victim parked and even confronted her at the shop about where Miss Ditta was.

The three sisters waited at various locations for her to leave work, before jumping out of their parked silver Toyota Corolla.

Their brother Tahmoor Ditta held a metal bradawl, a type of woodworking tool, while warning Miss Harrison’s friend Shah Ahmed not to get involved in the dispute.

Miss Harrison only managed to stop herself being dragged into the car by holding onto its sides.

She was left stood at the side of the road as the group got back into their vehicle and drove away.

It is understood they wanted to send Miss Ditta to Pakistan, where other family members were waiting.

Ghazala, 30, and Aftah Ditta, both of Lambeth Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm, attempted kidnap and robbery.

Sister Nighat Morris, 38, of Banker Street, Bolton, has admitted the same charge.

And Tahmoor Ditta, 26, also of Lambeth Street, confessed to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm, attempted kidnap, robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and battery.

They were all remanded into custody.

Tosif Ditta, 34, of Pringle Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm and was bailed.

Another sister Nayyar Mehmood was kept behind bars until a £9,000 bail assurity can be paid after admitting her part in a conspiracy commit actual bodily harm.

Their mother Rani Ditta, 54, of Queens Park Road, Blackburn, had been charged with conspiracy to kidnap, however no evidence was offered by the crown prosecution and as such, a not guilty verdict was recorded.

The rest of the family has been warned by a judge that they all face a prison sentence when they appear before the court again on January 24.

All of the defendants were also served a restraining order against the victim and their 27-year-old sister.

Det Sgt Mark Haworth-Oates said the couple had been left traumatised by the attack.

He said: “I am pleased that the accused pleaded guilty to these appalling offences.

“This has prevented the victim and her partner having to go through the ordeal of giving evidence in front of the defendants.

“This has been an extremely difficult few months for them, given the familial links and the violent nature of the crime.

“The events of June 20 will continue to have life changing consequences for them both.

“We will continue to support them throughout this process."

Judge Graham Knowles told the defendants they were all likely to go straight to prison.

He said: “I have very great difficulty in seeing that there can be anything other than an immediate prison sentence for every defendant in this case.”