FOUR men have appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with blackmail offences arising out of an alleged protection racket involving small businesses.

Rocky Michael Young, 28, Samson Young, 31, and Tyrone Young, 24, all of Ewood Caravan Site, Aqueduct Road, Blackburn, are all charged with making an unwarranted demand for £500 from Ibrar Ashraf with menaces, making an unwarranted demand for £500 from Stephen O'Hara with menaces and making an unwarranted demand for £1,900 from Chris Dadswell with menaces.

Augustus William Coverdale, 27, of Derry Road, Ribbleton, Preston, faces the one charge involving Ibrar Ashraf.

All four were sent on bail to Preston Crown Court where they will appear on October 4.