STAFF at Blackburn’s central library have been offered support after a librarian was attacked.

A man is alleged to have punched the woman in the chest after being denied access to a computer.

When detained by police, he is again said to have become aggressive, injuring the officer.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Councillor Kate Hollern has praised follow-up work to the incident.

She said: “Staff are the council’s biggest asset and it is important that we protect them.

“This was an isolated incident and we need to make sure that staff and the people who use libraries know that they are safe places.”

Frontline library staff and management have been given support from senior council officers, health and safety advisers, human resources consultants, the council’s occupational health unit and trade unions.

A “lessons learned” session was also carried out and staff are set to be commended for their actions in dealing with the situation.

Coun Hollern added: “We have good policies in place and I’m very pleased to say they worked successfully in this instance.

“As such, we do not feel there is any need to offer staff extra training.”

The man has been banned from all council buildings.

A 27-year-old has been charged with two counts of section 39 assault and will appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court later this month.