FOUR Accrington people accused of asssisting an alleged offender in a murder investigation appeared before Burnley magistrates.

Keith Andrew Birtwell, 29, of Maudsley Street, Michael Helm, 39, of Epping Avenue – both charged with two allegations – Sean Jackson, 37, of John Street, and Nicola Street, 35, of Arncliffe Avenue, were all bailed to Preston Crown Court on 14 April.

A fifth defendant, Paul Graham Dougill, 39, of Normanby Street, Bolton, who is charged with the same allegation, has yet to appear before the Bench.