A PENSIONER has been accused of poisoning his wife with mercury.

Police said it was alleged that William Terry Dowling had tried to poison his wife’s food and drink on a series of occasions between January 1 and March 31.

Dowling, 69, of Linden Road, Colne, has been charged with unlawfully and maliciously poisoning with intent to endanger life or cause grievous bodily harm.

He is being held in police custody and is due to appear before Burnley Magistrates’ Court tomorrow after being charged tonight.

Mercury poisoning can be fatal and can cause damage to the brain, kidney, and lungs.