A 51-YEAR-OLD woman was knocked unconscious and trampled upon in a terrifying baseball bat attack at her own home.

Three others were also injured after three youths burst into the Blackburn address in the small hours.

Preston Crown Court heard that the incident was a response to alleged bullying and intimidation by a man living at the property in Oriole Close.

It led to three defendants being put behind bars by a judge who told them: "This sort of gang warfare just cannot be tolerated in what passes for a civilised society."

Graham Toby Cougill, 22, of Matthew Street, Blackburn was sent to prison for two and a half years.

His 18-year-old brother Graham Nigel Cougill of Fleetwood, received two years youth custody, while a 16-year-old youth was given 18 months detention and training.

All three had pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated burglary on October 28 last year.