TWO brothers have appeared before magistrates following an incident in Arran Avenue on Friday night.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard a female was struck on the head with a metal bar, leaving her deaf in one ear, and a man suffered a broken forearm after being struck with a baseball bat.

Paul David Stafford, 29, of Ailsa Road, Blackburn, and David Stafford, 27, of Arran Avenue, Blackburn, appeared before the court today.

Paul Stafford is charged with wounding Paula Murfitt with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, a metal bar, in a public place and wounding Francis Donnelly with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

David Stafford is charged with wounding Mr Donnelly, possessing an offensive weapon, a baseball bat, and assaulting Miss Murfitt.

Following the brief hearing, they were sent on bail to Preston Crown Court, where they will next appear over the alleged offences.