A Frenchman was today remanded in custody charged with the attempted murder of 14-year-old schoolgirl Jessica Knight in a Chorley park.

Kristofer Beddar, 21, of Adlington, appeared before Chorley Magistrates' Court accused of stabbing Jessica up to 30 times.

Beddar was flanked by an interpreter during the 10-minute hearing.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address, and that he understood the allegation.

Jessica was found "covered in blood" by a cyclist in Astley Park, Astley Village around 5.15pm on Monday.

She remains in a critical but stable condition at Manchester Children's Hospital.

Beddar will next appear at Preston Crown Court on February 4 for a preliminary hearing, and no application for bail was made.

It is understood Beddar moved to Britain in May 2007 from the south-east Paris suburb of Melun and was working as a baker in the Chorley area.