Police warning after drivers accosted by beggars at Burnley traffic lights

The warning comes after a number of complaints were made about the men stood in the road at the junction of Active way, Kingsway and Anchor retail park and also on Colne road outside the former Prestige building.

A spokesman for Burnley Police said: “We understand that times are hard financially but these individuals, who are trying to gain funds from drivers, are putting themselves and other road users at risk.

“Please understand that begging is illegal and, while we appreciate the generosity of people trying to help, this group keep returning to the area due to people giving them money and are putting themselves at risk of harm.

“We have spoken to this group on a number of occasions and they have advised us that they all live and reside locally.”