A MAN charged with a string of sexual offences against children has been forced to flee after an angry mob tried to torch his home.

Paul Andrew Birch, of New Rough Hey, Tanterton, appeared before Preston Magistrates last week, charged with four offences of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and one charge of raping a boy under 16 on dates between 1977 and 1980.

He is also charged with nine offences of indecent assault on a male under the age of 14 on dates between 1980 and 1988.

Details of the charges and the court's decision to remand him on conditional bail until November 30, when he will appear at Preston Crown Court, appeared in newspapers last week.

But last weekend, following publication of the short court hearing, an angry mob of men attacked his terraced home, setting a nearby car alight and throwing bricks through his windows.

Witnesses also claim the vigilantes tried to set fire to his home. One terrified on-looker, who has asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "It was the scariest thing I have ever witnessed. These people, who I didn't recognise, were out of control.

"They set fire to cars and kept throwing things at the house. I don't know if he was in at the time. If he was, he was lucky to get out alive."

She added: "As soon as the fire brigade or police had gone, the mob was back again. We were all terrified.

"He hasn't been convicted yet."

The terraced house remains boarded-up and the burned out wreck of a car, said to have a connection with the house, is parked a few yards away.

It is not known where Mr Birch is now.

Sgt Steven Bergus, of Lea Police, said: "We are aware of the incident and CID is now dealing with, with certain lines of inquiry being pursued.

"A car was fired and the house attacked. No-one has been arrested at present."

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