Police launched an investigation after they were made aware a Chorley man had made racially motivated comments towards the Jewish community.

A Chorley man has been charged with antisemitic hate crime.

Brian Ward, 63, of Rothwell Road, Chorley, has been charged with sending a communication threatening death ore serious harm; using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. | Local Library

placeholder image — Brian Ward, 63, of Rothwell Road, Chorley, has been charged with sending a communication threatening death ore serious harm; using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. | Local Library

Police launched an investigation after they were made aware a man had made racially motivated comments towards the Jewish community and others, referencing recent terror attacks, and threatened to leave his house with a knife.

The comments were allegedly made in a phone call to a health professional.

Police attended an address in Chorley on April 30 and arrested a man.

A sword was recovered from the address.

Brian Ward, 63, of Rothwell Road, Chorley, has been charged with sending a communication threatening death ore serious harm; using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

He appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court on May 2 and has been remanded in custody to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.