A 50-year-old man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged in connection with the robbery and kidnap of a retired GP and his wife.

The court heard Dr Arthur Manuel and his wife Frances were attacked in their home and forced to hand over cash and jewellery.

They were then driven in their car to a cash point where they were ordered to withdraw more cash but instead ran into the shop and raised the alarm.

James Evans, of Sankey House Farm, Whinney Hill Road, Accrington, was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court charged with two offences of robbery, kidnapping Dr Manuel and his wife, unauthorised vehicle taking aggravated by ramming a police vehicle, driving while disqualified and with excess alcohol.

All the offences are alleged to have been committed on Sunday night in Baxenden. Evans will appear before the Crown Court on February 8.