A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with the attempted murder of a mental health nurse at a hospital.

Oliver Elliot is alleged to have tried to strangle the nurse while shouting that he would kill her at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

Elliot, 22, of Parklands Court, Moore Street, Accrington, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court charged with the attempted murder of Cheryl Robinson.

He will appear before the Crown Court on March 19.

A spokesman for Lancashire Care Foundation Trust said it was aware that a person had appeared in court for attacking one of its staff.

The spokesman said: “We are aware that a member of the public has appeared in court for attacking one of our staff.

“The trust has processes in place to support people when violent incidents occur, including dedicated support and de-briefs.

“Due to the ongoing police and court proceedings, it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage.”