Chorley man charged with antisemitic hate crime

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 11:18

By Central Radio News

A man from Chorley has been charged with making antisemitic comments aimed at the Jewish community.

Police launched an investigation after they were made aware a man had allegedly made racially motivated comments towards the Jewish community and others, referencing recent terror attacks, and threatening 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 30th and arrested a man. A sword was also recovered.

Brian Ward, 63, of Rothwell Road, Chorley has been charged with sending a communication threatening death or 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 2nd and has been remanded in custody to appear before Blackburn Magistrates Court tomorrow, Thursday, May 7th.

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