BUSINESS owners warn the lack of night time police presence in a town centre will lead to further outbreaks of crime after her pub was vandalised by youths.

Police were called to the Brown Cow Inn, situated in Moor Lane, Clitheroe, following reports the premises had been attacked by two juveniles at 10.30pm on December 16.

A 'gang' of two boys, believed to be aged between 13 and 16, caused £70 damage after smashing one of the pub's windows.

A police spokesman said: "No one has been arrested and the incident is still under investigation."

Homophobic insults spray-painted across pub car park

Laura Smithies, 38, who has lived in Clitheroe since she was 14 and has co-owned the pub for two years with her husband Phil, made the complaint to the police.

The pub landlady said: "The problem is there are a lot of children hanging around in the area.

"They appear to be only 13 or 14 years old and just hang around banging on doors of pubs and creating trouble.

"The two boys smashed through one of the pub's windows and there were big shards of glass scattered everywhere."

She added: "I want to see more police here at night.

"We have a police station but no police officers."

John Hargreaves, 64, who has owned the neighbouring Hargreaves TV and Cycles business for 45 years, said his experience with police has been 'pretty poor' and wants to see more police action.

He said: "A couple of years ago the site was broken into.

"When I rang the police to report it I could not get through to them.

"It mean that crime went unreported.

"We need more police around at night time so if there is an incident they can attend it.

"If they are coming from Blackburn or far off places it will take a while to get here."

Cllr Ian Brown, who represents the area, said: "Crimes or any sort of vandalism are not acceptable.

"The parents have to take responsibility and ensure they know where their children are.

"I know the police are stretched both day and night, not just in Clitheroe but across Lancashire.

"I will speak to them to see if anything more can be done."

If anyone knows any information they should contact 101 with the log reference LC-2017-1216-1566.