A WOMAN slammed the door of a police van on the legs of a man she thought had been responsible for an attack on her boyfriend.

But while police restrained the mother of three, who also spat at the man, he got up and walked away and Alison Smith was the only person arrested following the late night incident in Darwen Street, Blackburn.

Smith, 30, of Tinwald Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and was fined £100 with £55 costs. Tom Snape, prosecuting, said that police called to a disturbance outside the Merchants pub saw two men who they thought had been involved in a fight.

One of them was sitting in the back of a police van while the officer tried to establish what had happened and while the officer was speaking to him he heard Smith shouting.

"While the officer was dealing with her the male just got up and walked off, leaving the area," said Mr Snape.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Smith had been out with her boyfriend who was home on leave from the forces.

A number of youths had made certain accusations in the pub and their had been some ill-feeling.

"As they left the pub the youths were leaving as well and her boyfriend was attacked," said Mr Blacklidge.

"Her behaviour was quite out of character and she apologises," he added.