ONE of three young men accused of taking part in an attack on a health and safety officer has been cleared.

James Aspin, 20, of Yew Tree Drive, Oswaldtwistle, was found not guilty by a Burnley Crown Court jury.

Judge Sycamore discharged the jury from returning verdicts against his co-defendants, Andrew Entwistle, 19, of High Street, Oswaldtwistle, and a 17-year-old from the town. They will be tried at a later date.

All three denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Ian Ashton, in the early hours of last New Year's Eve.

The court had heard claims that Mr Ashton's jaw was smashed in three places after he went to catch youths he believed had been vandalising cars.

He was said to have been punched and then kicked repeatedly as he lay on the ground in the snow.

Mr Ashton had no recollection of events after being hit and was taken by ambulance to hospital.