A man will appear in court charged with aggravated burglary and assault following an incident earlier this week.

On Thursday (March 14), police reported that an aggravated burglary had taken place in Nelson on Tuesday (March 12).

Officers were called just before 10.25am on Tuesday after receiving reports that several men had allegedly forced their way into a property in Hargreaves Street and assaulted the occupants.

One person was arrested, and police are continuing to actively look for the other individuals they believe to have been involved.

Officers say they would encourage the other suspects to attend their local police station straight away and hand themselves in. 

Paul Ashworth, 58, of Peel Road, Colne, was arrested on suspicion of, and later charged with aggravated burglary and assault.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday, March 18).

A spokesperson for the police said: "We know this news will be of some concern to residents and we want to reassure you that this is being treated as a targeted and isolated incident.

"However, we continue to have an increased number of officers in the area as a precaution."

Anyone with information they believe could help the police in their investigation is asked to call 101, quoting log 372 of March 12, 2024.

Or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.