THE son of a former Blackburn church minister has been told to live with his uncle in Lancashire after allegedly stabbing his father at their home.

Simeon Dagger, 24, appeared before magistrates at St Helens yesterday after being charged with attempted murder.

He was arrested on Friday night after allegedly stabbing the Rev Kenneth Dagger during an attack in the St Martin's Vicarage, in Peatwood Avenue, Kirkby, where they both lived.

The Rev Dagger, 52, who worked at various churches within the Blackburn Diocese, received injuries to his ear, neck, chest and thigh. He was taken to University Hospital, Aintree, before being released yesterday afternoon.

It is not thought his injuries were life-threatening

His son, dressed in brown combat trousers and black jumper, spoke only to confirm his name, address and age during the 25 minute hearing at St Helens Magistrates Court.

He was granted bail on the condition that he lives with his uncle in Lathom, near Ormskirk, and makes no contact with his mother or father.

The case was adjourned to Liverpool Crown Court on October 2.

The Rev Dagger was a former curate at St James' Church, in St James Road Road, off Shear Brow, Blackburn, before moving as curate to St Bartholomew's, in Church Street, Colne, in 1979.

Two years later Mr Dagger, who trained for ordination at the Bernard Gilpin Society, in Durham, in 1972, became the rector of All Saints, Hesketh-with-Brinscall, near Preston, where he stayed until 1985. After four years working with the appeals organisation for the Children's Society charity he moved to the Diocese of Liverpool.

Last November he was installed as Vicar at St Martin's, in a ceremony which included the Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev David Jennings, the Archdeacon of Liverpool, the Venerable Bob Metcalf and the Rector of Kirkby, the Rev Anthony Hawley.

A spokesman for the Blackburn Diocese said prayers were said for him and his family.