Pendle council leader's message after Brierfield stabbing

The incident happened in Wood Street on Friday, June 12, with the girl, who is understood to be of Pakistani heritage and local to the area, taken to hospital before being discharged on Sunday.

She is now recovering with her family.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, said that they would be working with the police and community organisations, whilst investing in initiatives to keep neighbourhoods safe.

He said: "We understand that incidents like this cause real concern within our communities.

"This appears to be an isolated incident dealt with very quickly by Lancashire Police.

"It’s so important at times like these that we stand together as one community, and the response over the past few days has demonstrated the strength, resilience, and unity of our communities.

"We have long worked together across neighbourhoods, backgrounds, and generations to build safer, stronger, and more connected communities, and we remain committed to that work.

"We will continue to tackle serious violence through our partnerships with the police and community organisations, while investing in initiatives that keep our neighbourhoods safe.

"We want to make sure that everyone feels safe and valued in the place they call home.

"I’m pleased to hear that the victim has been discharged and is making a good recovery. Our thoughts remain with her and her family."

Janis Nawaz, 30, appeared before Blackburn Magistrates' Court this morning, which heard that the alleged attack was "totally random."

Nawaz, of Livingstone Walk, is due to appear before Preston Crown Court on July 13.