A VICAR'S son has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of his 52-year-old father who was a former Lowton curate.

Simeon Dagger was granted conditional bail following a hearing before magistrates at St Helens.

The 24-year-old, who did not enter a plea, is due to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on October 2.

Emergency services were called in the early hours of Saturday morning to the family home at St Martin's Vicarage, Kirkby .

The Reverend Kenneth Dagger, who 10 years ago was a curate at Lowton St Mary's Church, was taken to University Hospital, Aintree, where he was treated for injuries before being released.

Reporting restrictions were not lifted.