A MAN was due to appear in court today accused of attacking several people with a knife.

John Brown, 63, haas been charged with two counts of wounding, and four counts of attempted wounding following an incident in which five people were injured.

Police today said five people were stabbed by a man with a small kitchen knife in Accrington.

The alleged incident took place at 2.45pm on Friday outside the post office and Rivaj Boutique clothes shop in Blackburn Road, opposite the corner of Lister Street.

Detective Inspector Ian Critchley, from Blackburn Police, said: "An Accrington shopkeeper sustained wounds to his hands which required hospital treatment."

Shab Hussain, who owns the newsagent's across the road from the post office, was working at the time of the alleged incident.

He said he saw four, or five, police vehicles.

Mr Hussain added: "I just can't believe it. The police were everywhere.

"This is normally a nice neighbourhood, but these days things are getting out of control.

"It is getting like Longsight in Manchester."

Brown was interviewed in connection with the incident over the weekend and was remanded in custody to appear before Hyndburn magistrates this morning.