POLICE investigating an activated burglar alarm in the early hours of the morning gave chase when a man spotted nearby refused to stop.

Blackburn magistrates heard that, as he ran away, James Halstead was seen to throw a knife down a back alley.

After he had been arrested, the lock-knife was recovered and found to have a 5in blade.

Halstead, 21, of Underbank Farm, Rising Bridge, Accrington, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was remanded on bail until June 14.