Crackdown as youths attack police officers with missiles in Burnley

They were called in for reassurance as officers were subjected to abuse, and also had items thrown at them, around the Brougham Street area at around 9pm.

Inspector Chris Valentine said: "As a result of these incidents a section 34 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Dispersal Order was authorised and will be in place until 9pm tomorrow (Saturday).

"This grants officers the power to request a person to leave the designated area and not return until the order expires. Failure to comply with these requests may result in arrest."

The area it outlined by the map covers Princess Way, March Street, across the canal to Old Hall Street, North Street on to Hebrew Road connecting with Colne Road and Colne Road at the junction with Elm Street across the canal behind Cronkshaw Street and back to Princess Way.

Inspector Valentine pointed out that the groups were also in 'clear breach' of Covid 19 guidelines which state that people out in the public must not be in groups of more than six and must remain more than two metres apart.

He added: "This should also serve as a reminder for people and their families that the Covid threat is still very much a real issue and communities should be doing everything they can to prevent infection and prevent spread of the disease."