POLICE responded after being told a man was outside his former partner's house armed with a machete.

Blackburn magistrates heard when officers attended the Accrington address they detained Joseph Oaks who admitted he had been in possession of a knife.

Oaks, 19, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in Bold Street, Accrington. He was remanded on bail until December 23 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Jade Coleman, prosecuting, said the former girlfriend told police Oaks was outside her property, armed with a machete and trying to kick her door down.

"When the police detained him he became upset and said it wasn't a machete but a kitchen knife.

"He said he had hidden it under a bin in a back alley and the police were able to recover it from there."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said prior to the incident Oaks, who had no previous convictions, had made an attempt on his own life and had been in hospital.

"There are clearly issues in his life which need explaining and a report will be needed," said Mr Taylor.