Two men have been charged following a police investigation to crack down on domestic violence in East Lancashire.

The investigation led by Lancashire Police began in August 2023, and was partnered with Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Probation Service.

The two men have been charged with six offences related to domestic violence and incidents of significant violence in pubs in the area.

The police also recovered weapons such as a stun-gun, and addressed that one of the men has been charged for an offence of a firearm. 

A spokesperson for Blackburn and Darwen Police said: "We would like to update you about two offenders who have been charged following an investigation in Blackburn.

"A Lancashire Constabulary led investigation, which began in August 2023 and involved support from partner agencies including Blackburn with Darwen Council and The Probation Service, has resulted in two males being charged with six offences.

"These relate to incidents of significant violence in pubs and domestic related violence around the Blackburn area.

"As part of the investigation, police executed six warrants in December 2023 and have subsequently searched two further addresses and have recovered a stun-gun.

"In December 2023, a 23-year-old male of an address in Darwen was charged with affray, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to his involvements in the incidents.

"Another male, aged 22 of an address in Morecambe, has now been charged with four offences, three of which relate to incidents of domestic violence, one of which is an offence under the Firearms Act 1968. He is currently remanded in custody awaiting trial."

Stun guns, pepper spray and other items like these are classed as ‘firearms’ and are illegal in the United Kingdom.

The spokesperson continued: "There is no reason for members of the public to be in possession of such weapons, and self-defence is not a defence.

"Violence against women and girls is a priority for Lancashire Constabulary, and we will take all possible steps to build a prosecution.

"We want women in Lancashire to feel safe, and able to come forwards when they are suffering abuse at the hands of partners or family members.

"We will listen to you; we work with partner agencies to support victims and bring offenders to justice."

There are lots of ways to report domestic abuse, but in an emergency dial 999.

If you can not speak, you can press 55 to let the call handler know that it is an emergency, and that you can not speak.

For more information about Domestic Abuse, what to do to help yourself and others, and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law), visit Lancashire Constabulary's website.