A BURNLEY man has appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm after a seven-month old baby suffered head injuries.

Police were called to an address in Hutton Drive, Burnley, after reports of an incident.

They found the baby boy was having difficulty breathing when they arrived at the scene, and he was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Doctors then discovered he had serious head injuries and was transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital, where he remains in a poorly but stable condition.

DS Neil Marr, from Pennine Division’s Public Protection Unit, said: “A police investigation was launched and on June 17, and 23-year-old Syed Raza from Hutton Drive, Burnley, was arrested.

“On June 18 he was subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

“He appeared at Burnley Magistrates Court on June 19 where he was remanded in custody. His next appearance will be at Burnley Crown Court on September 20.”

The incident happened on Sunday, June 13.

Yesterday the father of the baby, who has not been named, was too upset to talk.

One neighbour in the quiet modern cul-de-sac said: “The family are friendly and well known, they get on with everyone on the street.

“It is shocking that something like this has happened.”

Another neighbour said the family were very close.

“They get on well with other neighbours and are very friendly,” he said.