TWO people accused of murdering a 68-year-old man at Blackburn have denied the charge and been remanded to await trial.

The pair also pleaded not guilty to an allegation that they assaulted the same man, with intent to rob him.

Andrew Burns, 21, of Lilac Grove, Preston and Barbara Bower, 42, of Lynwood Road, Blackburn, both pleaded not guilty to murdering James Hyde between June 10 and 13 last year.

Mr Hyde had been found in his flat on Preston New Road, Blackburn. The two defendants are due to stand trial on March 15. Burns was remanded in custody and Bower remanded on bail by Judge Peter Openshaw QC during their appearance at Preston Crown Court.

A third defendant also denied a charge of assaulting Mr Hyde with intent to rob him.

Leslie Hartley, 46, formerly of Preston New Road, Blackburn, was remanded in custody. He was also originally charged with murder, but that charge against him has been dropped.