TWO policemen were injured when they were confronted by a "snarling," knifeman at a house in Bacup, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Barry Shaughnessy, 41, lunged forward, hitting PC Trevor Syrett's protective stab vest with the 12-inch weapon, but catching his arm.

He then kicked PC Peter Greenwood after officers took him to the floor and forcibly restrained him.

Shaughnessy, of Rochdale Road, Bcaup, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and police assault, on June 21.

He was committed on bail to the town's crown court for sentence.

Andrew Creswell, prosecuting, said police were called to the defendant''s home just after 4pm to deal with a domestic incident.

Shaughnessy opened the door, holding a knife with an eight inch blade.

His distressed partner was behind him.

The defendants face was contorted in a snarl.

The officers backed off and shouted to Shaughnessy to drop the knife.

The defendant then lunged forward, hitting PC Syrett's protective stab vest but catching his forearm and inflicting an abrasion.

Mr Creswell said the police tried to calm the defendant, but when more police arrived Shaughnessy kicked PC Greenwood on his right shin and knee.

Shaughnessy was questioned and was "somewhat vague."

He accepted he had rowed with his partner, both had been drinking and he had told her if she contacted police he was liable to do something silly.

The defendant had no previous convictions for violence.

Keith Pilkington, defending, said Shaughnessy's partner called police as he was threatening self harm.

He had had four cans of special brew after work, became angry and lost control.

The defendant remembered the police arriving but had no recollection of anything after.

The solicitor said Shaughnessy's behaviour was out of character and he was terrified at the prospect of going to jail.

Mr Pilkington added: "I have rarely met a defendant so ashamed of his behaviour."