Darwen man charged in connection with Lancashire Police violence probe

A man from Darwen has been charged with a number of after a Lancashire Police investigation.

The Lancashire Constabulary led investigation began in August 2023, and involved support from partner agencies including Blackburn with Darwen Council and The Probation Service, looking into significant violence in pubs and domestic related violence around the Blackburn area.

In total, police executed six warrants in December 2023. Police then searched two further addresses and recovered a stun-gun.

A 23-year-old male of an address in Darwen was charged with affray, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Also as part of the investigation, a 22-year-old from Morecambe has now been charged with three offences which relate to incidents of domestic violence, and one offence under the Firearms Act 1968.

He is currently remanded in custody awaiting trial.

A police spokesperson said: ‘’Stun guns, pepper spray and other items like these are classed as ‘Firearms’ and are illegal in the United Kingdom. There is no reason for members of the public to be in possession of such weapons, and self-defence is not a defence.

‘’Violence against women and girls is a priority for Lancashire Constabulary, and we will take all possible steps to build a prosecution.

‘’We want women in Lancashire to feel safe, and able to come forwards when they are suffering abuse at the hands of partners or family members. We will listen to you; we work with partner agencies to support victims and bring offenders to justice.

‘’There are lots of ways to report domestic abuse, but in an emergency always dial 999. If you can’t speak you can press 55 to let the call handler know that it is an emergency, and that you can’t speak.’’

If you have any information in relation to people carrying any type of firearm or other weapon, always call 999 in an emergency. If it is not an emergency call 101 or report online. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.