A MAN appeared before Blackburn magistrates on Wednesday morning charged with the murder of Tarro “Taz” Grogan.

In a hearing that lasted just two minutes, Dylan Mark Slater, 26, spoke only to give his name and date of birth and confirm that he was of no fixed address.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said police were called to an address in Peridot Close in Blackburn at 10.04am on Sunday by paramedics who were treating Mr Grogan. He had suffered stab wounds to the chest and neck area.

Miss Akhtar said despite the efforts of the paramedics Mr Grogan passed away 40 minutes later.

“ In due course the defendant will put forward a defence of self-defence but that is a matter for another court,” she added.

Slater was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will appear on Friday.

A Home Office post mortem examination showed Mr Grogan died from stab wounds.

Det Supt Pete Simm, of East CID: “While we have charged a man our enquiries are very much on-going and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.

“I recognise that this incident and the police activity in the local area over the last few days has caused some disruption and concern and I would like to thank the community for their co-operation and understanding while we have gone about the work that we need to do.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 537 of Sunday, October 14th.