Four men charged after elderly man struck in head during aggravated burglary in Leyland

A man in his 80s was struck in the head during an aggravated burglary in Balshaw Crescent, Leyland, at around 8am on Friday, January 22.

Approximately two hours later, at around 9.05am, another elderly victim was made to hand over money to an offender in Eaves Lane, Chorley.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary later in the day.

Officers have now confirmed Mark McGranaghan, 47, of Wordworth Street, Burnley; Anthony Prosser, 50, of Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley; Kevin Cragg, 44, of Rosegrove Lane, Burnley and James McCool, 39, of Bleasdale Court, Longridge have been charged with robbery in connection with the Leyland incident.

McGranaghan was also charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Chorley, Cragg, Prosser and McCool have been charged with fraud in connection with the Chorley incident

They appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court this morning (January 25) where they have each been remanded in custody.

Officers said the elderly man who suffered a head injury in Leyland "remains stable and is still receiving medical attention."

"Thanks to everyone who sent both victims their well wishes and showed their support for our investigation," a spokesman said.

If you have any information about either of the incidents, call police 101 quoting incident reference number 223 for the Leyland burglary, or 315 for the Chorley incident.

Chief Insp Chris Abbot, from the Chorley & South Ribble Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: "We know that at the moment, the elderly and vulnerable are home more and so are easy targets for criminals. Please check-in with people like this that you know so they are not completely isolated.

"If there is anybody you are aware of in the South Ribble and Chorley area who are especially vulnerable or may have been a victim of this type of crime, please let us know and we can speak to them."

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