THE trial of two men charged with causing an explosion which destroyed an Indian takeaway in Blackburn has been put back for six months.

Majid Hussain, 23, of Montague Street, Blackburn, is charged with conspiring with Zaheer Iqbal Ali to commit arson at the Heena takeaway in Bank Top, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered in May last year.

Both men were expected to appear at Preston Crown Court for trial starting on Monday but the case has been adjourned until July 29 on a judge's direction.

Hussain, who was hospitalised after the blast which destroyed the shop and a neighbouring property, causing £400,000 worth of damage, is on conditional bail.

Conditions include surrendering his passport, not to apply for travel documents for travel outside the UK and a surety.

His co-accused, Zaheer Ali, 23, of Lancaster Place, Blackburn, was originally remanded in custody by the magistrates, but was later granted conditional bail by a judge at Preston Crown Court.

Conditions of his bail include residence at an address in Brierfield, not to enter Blackburn and not to associate with his co-accused.