A BLACKBURN man accused of violent disorder during the race riots in Burnley last year was "leading" the group, a court heard.

Tariq Saddique, 28, of Azalea Road, Blackburn, was questioned by the prosecution at Preston Crown Court about group movements around Elm Street on Sunday, June 24, last year.

QC David Pickup asked: "Were you leading?" Saddique replied: "Yes, sir. I was at the front."

He also concerned he was carrying a cricket bat and was "prepared to use it if necessary."

The prosecution challenged Saddique, who has denied a series of violence offences, and said he was looking for a fight.

Saddique said: "There were white people standing all along the road and we didn't fight them."

But when asked by Mr Pickup if he was looking for white people to fight, he said: "Racists, yes."

The prosecution analysed Saddique's movements and alleged it was "a physical impossibility" for him to have run down Hurtley Street, North Street and Altham Street in a matter of seconds, as video evidence showed.

When asked about the danger of the situation Mr Saddique said: "I didn't lead them onto Briercliffe Road. My concern was to see if there were any Asian people being attacked. I just wanted to get back where I felt safe."

(Proceeding)