A HOUSEHOLDER was allegedly attacked with an iron bar by a teenager who fell through a bush in his garden.

Stephen Warren told a jury how blood "gushed" from his head after he was struck by Lee Metcalfe, who later threatened to kill his wife and child and torch his home.

Mr Warren, who had stitches to a head wound, said Metcalfe appeared armed with a spade and shouted, swore and made threats.

He told Burnley Crown Court: "He kept saying 'I know where you live, ' which I thought was a bit daft, as he was outside my house."

Metcalfe, 18, of Regent Street, Brierfield, denies assault causing actual bodily harm and affray, last December 28.

Mr Warren said he heard a noise outside his home about 8pm.

He went out, heard rustling and swearing and Metcalfe emerged from a bush and went around the back of his car.

He said Metcalfe told him he knew who he was, walked over and started hitting him with an iron bar.

He raised his arm but Metcalfe kept hitting him and blood gushed from his head.

Mr Warren, of Hazelwood Road, Nelson, said he "jumped on top" of Metcalfe, twisted the iron bar from his hand, told him to clear off and that he was ringing the police.

Questioned by Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, Mr Warren said he thought Metcalfe had gone but he reappeared with a shovel in his hand, shouted and swore and made threats towards his wife, child and home.

Mr Warren told the court another youth appeared and dragged Metcalfe away.

The police arrived and, as they did, Metcalfe "casually walked away."

He said the whole incident lasted between 10 and 15 minutes.

He knew Metcalfe's family but there was no background leading up to the alleged offences.

(Proceeding)

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