A 35-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with murder.

Lee Kenyon, of Hall Street, Blackburn, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court charged with the murder of James Murray on Monday.

He is also charged with wounding Jordan Barton with a machete with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm and possession of a machete in Grimshaw Park on the previous day.

Kenyon, who spoke only to confirm his details, will appear before the crown court tomorrow on the murder charge and on November 6 for the other charge.

He was told that a judge at the crown court may eventually deal with both matters at the same time.

Gareth Price, defending, did not apply for bail.