POLICE made an arrest after responding to a report of a man armed with a knife in Blackburn town centre at midday.

Blackburn magistrates heard Brian Selby admitted he had a knife tucked down his trouser band and consented to be searched but then became aggressive and threatening and spat at an officer.

Selby, 44, of St Margaret's Way, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, racially aggravated threatening behaviour and possessing a knife in a public place.

He was sent on bail to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced after the magistrates ruled their powers were insufficient.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police were called after a report of a man outside the Bees Knees with a knife. After the officers recovered the blade from his waistband Selby became abusive and aggressive, saying he would kill the officers.

He was arrested and taken to hospital where he continued to make threats and when an announcement was made over the tannoy he made some racist comments.

“He said his aim was to stab and to maim and cause serious injury and if he had a knife on him he would take their eyes out,” said Miss Allan.

“Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had little recollection of what happened because he had been drinking and taking prescription medication.

“He fell and knocked himself unconscious and when he came round he was disorientated,” said Mr Taylor.