A WOMAN who suffers from chronic asthma today claimed she had been forced to move out of her home amid fears it could be burgled for a third time.

Julie Barton, 43, of Alfred Street, Darwen, has moved in with her friend in Blackburn to escape growing concerns about her house being targeted for a third time.

She was burgled a few years ago and then three months ago a would-be-thief tried to enter her home, but was stopped after a neighbour saw what was going on and contacted the police.

Julie said: "My next door neighbour saw the thief attempting to get into my house via the car port at the back of the house. My neighbour spotted the man and contacted the police.

"The locks and the door had been tampered with and had to be replaced."

Julie has troubles with her breathing and since the attempted burglary she has been on edge and has had to visit the doctor to get stronger medication for her asthma.

Julie added: "I suffer from chronic asthma which I have to take medication for and this latest incident has aggravated it even more. I have been back to the doctor on a number of occasions to get some stronger medication because I can't cope with it all.

"I get really apprehensive and nervous which is why I have moved in with my friend because I can't face going back to sleep there on my own knowing what has happened.

"The next burglary could be worse, which is why I just can't stick around to find out.

"I don't feel safe in my own home, I think that I have been targeted because I am on my own and vulnerable, which is why I have had to make the drastic move after living in the house that I have grown to love for three years."

Inspector Tracy O'Gara of Darwen CID said: "A man has been changed with attempted burglary in relation to the latest incident and is due to appear at Crown Court within the next couple of months."