Counter-terrorism detectives investigating a stabbing at a store in Burnley in December have charged a man.

Munawar Hussain, 57, of Lancashire, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder following the incident at the Marks and Spencer store on St James Street in the town.

Two women – a shop worker in her 40s and a shopper in her 60s - suffered stab injuries during the incident on December 2 and were taken to hospital.

Police attended and Mr Hussain was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.

A counter terrorism investigation was completed and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service he was charged on Tuesday, May 25 and is due to appear at court on June 1.

The first hearing will take place at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Although not currently charged with a terrorism offence, should Mr Hussain be convicted, the prosecution will make representations to the Court that it determines whether the offence has a terrorism connection in accordance with section 30 Counter Terrorism Act 2008.