Statement from Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council
Published Monday, 15th June 2026
Following the stabbing of a 17-year-old girl in Brierfield on Friday 12 June, Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said:
“We understand that incidents like this cause real concern within our communities. 
“This appears to be an isolated incident dealt with very quickly by Lancashire Police.
“It’s so important at times like these that we stand together as one community and the response over the past few days has demonstrated the strength, resilience and unity of our communities.
“We have long worked together across neighbourhoods, backgrounds and generations to build safer, stronger and more connected communities, and we remain committed to that work.
“We will continue to tackle serious violence through our partnerships with the police and community organisations, while investing in initiatives that keep our neighbourhoods safe.
“We want to make sure that everyone feels safe and valued in the place they call home.
“I’m pleased to hear that the victim has been discharged and is making a good recovery. Our thoughts remain with her and her family.”
Junaid Nawaz, 30, of Livingstone Walk, Brierfield, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place.
He was remanded in custody to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court today.