Two men jailed after teenager assaulted and threatened with imitation handgun in Brierfield

The 19-year-old victim had just left a shop in Walter Street around 2pm on February 23 when he was confronted by Muhammad Danish and Malik Khan.

Danish pulled a black handgun from his jacket and pointed it the teenager and made a demand for money. Fearing for his life, he ran off but on reaching Townley Street, tripped and fell.

Danish and Khan caught up with him, kicking him several times and again demanded money, telling him ‘Take your phone out, empty your account’.

It was only when a member of the public intervened that his ordeal ended. He told officers that he did now know why Danish and Khan demanded money off him.

Metal ball bearings were found at the scene of the attack, with ball bearings and an empty ball bearings packet found at Khan’s home when it was searched after his arrest two days later.

Ball bearings were found at Danish’s home, while a coat matching the one worn by Khan was also recovered.

Danish, 20, of Walter Street, Brierfield, and Khan, 20, of Albert Street, Brierfield, both appeared at Burnley Crown Court for sentencing.

Danish pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm and was jailed for three years and nine months.

Khan pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of an imitation firearm and was jailed for three years and two months.

Both were made subject of a 10-year restraining order with regards the victim.

Detective Constable Louise Hanns of Burnley CID, said: “This was a concerning offence where a young man was threatened with an imitation handgun on a residential street.

“These two men were prepared to brandish a weapon and attack their victim, with no concern for members of the public going about their daily business.

“The carrying of firearms, whether imitation or capable of being fired, will not be tolerated by Lancashire Police and we will investigate such reports thoroughly in a bid to bring offenders to justice.”