TWO wedding guests were stabbed at the reception following a remark to a guest who had lost his arm in a road crash, a court heard.

Violence flared when some of the 450 guests at the reception in the James Hargreaves Suite, Turf Moor, Burnley, started throwing plates, Preston Crown Court was told.

The jury was told that the catalyst was believed to be a chance encounter which took place by the stairs.

A 16-year-old boy was said to have made "some sort of comment" to a man who had lost his arm in a road accident several years ago.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the "proper" trouble arose about 15 minutes later when people began hurling missiles about.

He added that things took a "definite downturn" when one of the guests pulled out a knife and stabbed a man several times in the head.

Mr Lamberty said the knifeman's' father then pulled out a knife and stabbed the injured man in the back in a "team effort".

Elsewhere at the reception, another guest and his mother stabbed another man, the court heard.

Five people have gone on trial at the court, and all deny violent disorder following the incident on July 17 last year.

The defendants are Abrar Ul-Haque, 43, of Hardshaw Close, Ardwick, Manchester; his wife Kalsoom Ul-Haque, 38, of the same address; their son Akbar Ul-Haque, 18, also of Hardshaw Close; wedding guest Mohammed Shakeel, 28, of Macfaren Street, Longsight; and a 16-year-old youth. Abrar and Akbar Ul-Haque are also charged with wounding with intent on Aquib Mubarak, and an alternative charge of unlawful wounding, which they also deny.

Akbar and Kalsoom Ul-Haque deny wounding Asim Hussain with intent and, alternatively, unlawful wounding.

Mr Lamberty also told the jury: "There were other people in that room who committed violent disorder and who are very fortunate not to be in the dock."

The father and son had injuries which included wounds to the hands, the court heard.

The Crown's case is that they may well have sustained injury in the course of unlawful violence The trial is expected to last four weeks.

(Proceeding)