ONE of three men said to have attacked a 21-year-old who is now fighting for his life appeared before Burnley magistrates.

Imran Bashir, 22, of Talbot Street, Burnley, was sent to Burnley Crown Court accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Shahbaz Arshad, with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, on or about last Friday.

Bashir is also charged with an earlier assault, allegedly causing grievous bodily harm to Aftab Ali with intent on or about December 23.

Bashir was remanded in custody after the bench refused a bail application by his solicitor, Richard Taylor.

Mr Arshad, of Woodfield Terrace, Brierfield, is still in a coma and critical at the Royal Preston Hospital intensive care unit.

Mr Ali suffered a broken arm and a lacerated head after he was allegedly attacked with an iron bar and left injured on the ground.

A second man appeared before the magistrates in connection with the alleged attack on Mr Arshad.

Saleem Raza, 20, of Railway Street, Nelson, is accused of concealing a vehicle with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution of an alleged offender .

Raza was bailed until March 9 on condition he lives at Dunstable Road, Luton, observes a 9pm-8am curfew, reports to Luton police station between 12noon and 1pm each day, and does not return to Burnley or Pendle except by prior appointment to see his solicitor or attend court, or contact prosecution witnesses.

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