A MAN has appeared before a Judge accused of murdering Haslingden tattoo artist Michael Dale.

Shahid Hussain appeared before The Recorder of Preston, Judge Mark Brown, at Preston Crown Court where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality.

No plea was entered and a trial date was set for October 28.

Hussain, 37, of no fixed address, will be required to enter a plea to the murder charge at the next hearing at Preston Crown Court on August 16.

He was remanded in custody until then.

Police were called by paramedics at around 1.15am on May 2 after Mr Dale was found with stab wounds to his chest inside a property in Charles Lane.

Mr Dale, 46, of Haslingden, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five people were initially arrested by police on suspicion of murder.

Two men aged 30 and a 35-year-old man, all from Haslingden, have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A 38-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, also from Haslingden, have been released no further action.

Witnesses can call police on 101, quoting log 0062 of May 2.