A WOMAN helped in an attempt to kidnap her own sister’s lesbian lover so her sibling could be sent to Pakistan.

Sarah Jane Harrison was dragged by her hair and repeatedly punched in the face and arm as three of her partner’s sisters, including Nighat Morris, tried to bundle her into the back of a car, Preston Crown Court heard.

They also stole the 35-year-old’s handbag in a bid to find out information about where their sister Nazma Ditta was staying, while brother Tahmoor Ditta threatened Miss Harrison’s friend with a pointed blade.

Police said sisters Atfah and Ghazala Ditta and Nighat Morris pounced on Miss Harrison as she walked to her car following a shift at clothing shop USC in The Mall, Blackburn.

In the days leading up to the attack on June 20, members of the Ditta family had asked staff at the store where the victim parked and even confronted her at the shop about where Miss Ditta was.

The three sisters jumped out of their parked silver Toyota Corolla and their brother Tahmoor Ditta held a metal bradawl, a type of wood-working tool. Miss Harrison held on to the sides of the car to stop herself being dragged away.

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It is understood they wanted to send Miss Ditta to Pakistan, where other family members were waiting.

Morris, of Banker Street, Darcy Lever, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm, attempted kidnap and robbery.

Ghazala, aged 30, and Aftah Ditta, both of Lambeth Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm, attempted kidnap and robbery, along with 38-year old Morris.

And Tahmoor Ditta, aged 26, also of Lambeth Street, confessed to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm, attempted kidnap, robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and battery.

They were all remanded into custody.

Tosif Ditta, aged 34, of Pringle Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm and was bailed.

Another sister, Nayyar Mehmood, was kept behind bars until a £9,000 bail surety can be paid after admitting her part in a conspiracy to commit actual bodily harm.

Their mother Rani Ditta, 54, of Queens Park Road, Blackburn, had been charged with conspiracy to kidnap, but no evidence was offered and a not guilty verdict recorded.

The rest of the family has been warned that they all face a prison sentence when they appear at court on January 24.

Det Sgt Mark Haworth-Oates said: “This has been an extremely difficult few months for the victim and her partner, given the familial links and the violent nature of the crime.”