A MAN has appeared in court accused of attempting to murder his ex-partner in her Blackburn home.

Ian Gresham, 55, of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, appeared before Blackburn Magistrates yesterday charged with attempting to murder Shirley Jackson.

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Gresham is alleged to have forced his way into Miss Jackson’s home before putting a bag over her head and trying to smother her with a pillow.

Police said the alleged incident happened at a house in Ouseburn Road, in the Livesey area of Blackburn, at around 11.30pm on Monday.

Gresham was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will appear on November 21.

Police said the incident is being treated as “isolated” and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “We have charged a man following an incident in Blackburn in which a woman suffered serious injuries.

“We were called shortly after 11.30pm on Monday (October 17th) to reports a 49-year-old woman had been assaulted at an address on Ouseburn Road.

“Officers attended and the woman was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with serious facial injuries and bruising.

“A 55-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 assault/attempted murder.

“We have now charged Ian Gresham, 55, of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, with attempted murder. He was due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court yesterday morning.

“We would like to reassure residents that while enquiries are ongoing, this is being treated as an isolated incident.

“However, anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log number 1660.”