TWO friends were slashed with a knife when they were attacked by strangers as they left a nightclub in the early hours, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Kevin Graves and Michael Clitheroe were set upon without warning by attackers they had "never clapped eyes on before" after leaving Afrikas nightclub, in Accrington, in November 1999.

The jury was told how William Fullerton, 38, who was said to have been armed with two knives, struck out at Mr Clitheroe, while Dominic O'Sullivan, 42, held him.

The assault was partly captured on closed circuit cameras.

Fullerton allegedly said they were from the IRA, were going to kill Mr Clitheroe and ordered him to go down on his knees. After the attack, he taunted Mr Clitheroe in triumph.

Fullerton and O'Sullivan were later spotted by police and Fullerton tried to hide one weapon from officers. O'Sullivan's brother William, 46, also said to have been involved in the trouble, was later arrested when he went to the police station to take his brother some clothes.

Fullerton, of Hornby Street, Accrington, Dominic O'Sullivan, of Mallard Place, and William 0'Sullivan, of Heron Way, both Oswaldtwistle, all deny affray.

Fullerton also denies wounding Mr Graves and Mr Clitheroe with intent to do them grievous bodily harm and Dominic 0'Sullivan also denies wounding Mr Clitheroe with intent.

(Proceeding)