Man charged with antisemitic hate crime

A man accused of making racist comments about Jewish people and threatening to leave his house with a knife has been charged with antisemitic hate crime.

The comments were allegedly made in a phone call to a health professional and referenced recent terrorist attacks, Lancashire Police said.

Brian Ward, 63, of Rothwell Road, Chorley, appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court on Saturday and has been remanded in custody to appear before Blackburn Magistrates' Court later.

He has been charged with sending a communication threatening death or serious harm, using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

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