A man has appeared before Blackburn Magistrates' Court charged with rape and attempted rape.

Christian Lewis, 34, of no fixed address, was also charged with intentional strangulation, assault causing actual bodily harm and making threats to kill.

All the charges relate to the same victim, the court was told.

He appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court earlier today, Monday, August 12, after his arrest and subsequent charging over the weekend.

Lewis was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court where he will next be due to appear on September 9.

The offences with which he is charged are alleged to have taken place in the early hours of Wednesday, August 7.