FIVE people appeared before Burnley magistrates yesterday charged with possession of Samurai swords and firearms.

Asad Khan, 19, of North Street, Burnley, Adeel Iqbal, 19, of Allen Street, Burnley, Ballal Hussain, 20, of Colne Road, Burnley, Shehzad Khan, 18 of New Hall Street and a 17-year-old youth who cannot be named for legal reasons, face charges of possessing a firearm with the intent to cause violence and disorder and carrying an offensive weapon.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said that the weapons had come from Target Technics, Whalley Road, Accrington -- a shop which specialises in items such as Samurai swords and firearms which fire blank cartridges.

Mr Hartley said that among the weapons recovered by police were four Samurai type swords, a blank-firing pistol without ammunition, a four inch flick knife and blank cartridges.

The five were arrested at about 3pm on Saturday.

All five pleaded not guilty to the charges in court yesterday . Adeel Iqbal, Ballal Hussain, Shehzad Khan and the other youth were all granted bail on the condition they reside at addresses outside Burnley. Two are to stay in the Blackburn area and two in Bradford.

Asad Khan was remanded in custody and all will reappear before Burnley magistrates on May 7.