AN American with local ancestors is probing the dark secrets of her family's past.

Janie Stezaker-Garber, from Woodinville, Washington, is trying to uncover the details of a 19th-century murder.

A house in Ivy Street, Burnley, was where her great-great-great uncle, James Stezaker, gained notoriety by killing his wife and child.

Janie wants to know the full story of what happened, and is also looking for any information on her other forbears.

She said: "I have been able to trace them via the internet back to the 1800s living in Burnley, Bacup, Stacksteads, Blackburn, Spotland and Newchurch."

Write to us at 20 Keirby Walk, Burnley, with information and we will pass it on.

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