A THIRD man has appeared in court charged in connection with an assault that has left a Brierfield man fighting for his life.

Wasim Raza, 22, of Chapelhouse Road, Nelson, appeared before Burnley magistrates on Thursday charged with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was remanded in custody for a week. It follows an attack on Shahbaz Arshad, 21, near his home in Woodfield Terrace, eight days ago.

Mr Arshad is still "poorly" in the Royal Preston Hospital with serious head injuries.

Imran Bashir, 22, of Talbot Street, Burnley, was remanded in custody by Burnley magistrates. He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Arshad, and causing grievous bodily harm to Aftab Ali with intent on or about December 23.

Saleem Raza, 20, of Railway Street, Nelson, was bailed to March 9 on Wednesday. He is charged with concealing a vehicle with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution of an alleged offender. The police investigation into the assault on Mr Arshad is continuing.

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