TWO ‘young girls’ were allegedly sexually assaulted – one of them raped – in the Hyndburn area, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard claims Azar Khan, now 40, stroked one of the alleged victim’s thighs, leaving her frightened.

He is also alleged to have touched her over her clothes.

The prosecution claim the defendant later "turned his attentions" to another girl, who he allegedly touched and engaged in sexual activity with.

He was said to have asked the girl if he could ‘do it,’ with her, but no sexual intercourse took place.

Khan, of Clifton Street, Accrington, denies four charges of indecent assault, three of sexual assault on a child, three of sexual activity with a child, three allegations of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and two counts of rape.

Khan and his sister, Ghazala Fareed and her husband, Mohammed Fareed, also all plead not guilty to conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Nicholas Courtney, prosecuting, alleged Khan rubbed his hand up and down the first girl's thigh in a stroking action. She was scared, but didn't know what to do.

Khan told her not to tell.

Mr Courtney told the jury the alleged victim spoke to police.

The defendant was arrested and interviewed.

Khan alleged to officers the girl had made up false allegations against him.

Mr Courtney claimed Khan then turned his attentions to the second girl.

The prosecutor said: "Like the other girl before her, she didn't really know what to do."

She later told her mother about Khan 's alleged behaviour towards her.

Police were called on December 28, 2010, and Khan was arrested and questioned the following day.

He denied all the sexual allegations made against him.

The case continues.