TWO police officers had to use their batons repeatedly after Graham Morris launched an attack on them, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that despite being struck on the thighs and arms Morris continued to lash out at the officers punching one of them on the nose and the back of the head.

The attack was only brought to an end when Morris, who had taken hold of one officer around the waist, was felled by a blow to the shoulder.

Morris, 24, of Douglas Place, Blackburn, was remanded on bail until January 28 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports after pleading guilty to using threatening behaviour and assaulting PC Andrew Maltman.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said PC Maltman and another officer were called to Douglas Place at 7.35pm on Christmas Eve. As they approached Morris stood in a doorway and took up an aggressive stance with his fists clenched and his chin on his chest.

"The officers were of the opinion he was ready for a physical confrontation but tried to reassure him that they only wanted to ask him what had gone on in a near by house," said Mr Snape.

After pushing a woman who had come out of another house Morris ran towards the officers punching out at them. One of the blows caught PC Maltman on the nose causing him severe pain.

"He continued to punch out and kick towards the officers who used their batons to prevent further assault," said Mr Snape.

"They both struck him on the thighs and upper arms but that did not seem to have any affect. PC Maltman said he struck Morris five or six times but he continued punching out and a blow landed on his head. He grabbed PC Maltman round the waist at which point the other officer struck him on the shoulder."

Mr Snape said Morris was clearly drunk and was not interviewed until 8.50am on Christmas Day when he claimed to suffer from schizophrenia. He said he had suffered a schizophrenic attack when he saw the officers and could remember little of what happened afterwards.