A SECOND man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged in connection with an incident in which two brothers were left unconscious after being beaten with wooden bats in their home at Ulverston Close, Blackburn.

Shaun Stevenson, 27, of Broughton Close, Blackburn, faces charges of burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, wounding Conrad Lonsdale with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm and intimidating Stephen Lonsdale, a witness, by assaulting his brother with a bat.

Paul Stirling, 19, of Carnforth Close, Blackburn, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with aggravated burglary, wounding Stephen Lonsdale and witness intimidation.

Both were sent in custody to Preston Crown Court for trial.

Conrad Lonsdale suffered a fractured skull and a broken arm during the incident and Stephen Lonsdale suffered what were described in court as "severe" head injuries.