A MAN who tried to attack a police officer with a hammer in a street melee, could be facing jail.

Peter Noone, 47, brought the weapon down towards the officer's head, but the victim raised his arm to protect himself, Burnley magistrates heard.

The defendant delivered the blow with great force and the officer would have suffered a serious head injury if he had been hit.

Noone, of Villiers Street, Burnley, admitted causing harassment, alarm or distress and police assault, on March 2.

He was given unconditional bail until April 9 for a pre-sentence report and was told by the bench all options were open.

David Macro, prosecuting, told the court police were called to Villiers Street and saw two men and one woman standing outside a house.

The three were struggling with each other, there was a lot of screaming and shouting and an officer immediately tried to break it up. Noone had a cut eye and the other man had suffered facial injuries.

As the officer tried to separate the two men, the defendant was abusive and told him he would "get some." He then punched the officer in the chest and produced a wooden handled claw hammer which the other man also had hold of.

The policeman tried to get hold of the weapon and the other man let go. The officer took hold of Noone's jacket, but the defendant told him: "I will have you."

Mr Macro said Noone then raised the hammer and brought it down towards the officer's head. The victim raised his arm to protect himself and the hammer hit his hand rather than his head.

A short struggle followed and the officer managed to seize the hammer and throw it out of the way. Noone was cautioned and said he was sorry.

The prosecutor said the officer was in no doubt if he had not out up his arm to protect his head, he would have a suffered serious head injury. Noone was deliberately attempting to injure the officer.

Mr Macro went on: "This was a very serious assault on a police officer in the execution of his duty."