AN off-duty policeman was knocked unconscious with a brick after following a car that jumped a red light, police said.

Sergeant Tony Doherty, a response officer based in Nelson, was found injured in Cuckstool Lane, Brierfield, early on Saturday.

It is alleged that he was assaulted after approaching a car that had stopped in Clitheroe Road.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital but was discharged following treatment for head injuries.

Police said it was suspected the car had been stolen from Leeds Road, Nelson, where a 52-year-old resident had been allegedly assaulted in his own home before his car keys and vehicle were taken.

Three men have been charged in connection with the incidents and were due to appear before Burnley magistrates on Monday morning.

Two 17-year-old boys, one from Nelson and one from Burnley, have been charged with aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle, robbery of a car and section 18 wounding.

Tyler French, 22, of Nelson, was charged with robbery and aggravated unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle.

They have been remanded in custody.

Police said Sgt Doherty was on his way home at 3.45am on Saturday after a shift. He followed a car he thought was being driven erratically.

The police helicopter was involved in a search after the incident.

Sgt Doherty has been in the police for five years and has spent all that time with Pennine Division, covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.