BODY cameras are now being deployed by police following a series of recent incidents where officers have been subject to verbal and physical abuse by large groups of males.

Police in the Nelson and Brierfield area reported that the groups of males have presented high levels of anti-social behaviour towards them, with officers subject to abuse which on one occasion saw a group surrounding officers and throwing stones at them.

A spokesperson for the police said two incidents have occurred over the past week alone.

The spokesperson said: "One such incident occurred this week when officers closed Colne Road after a traffic incident.

"It is a criminal offence to obstruct any Police officer during the execution of their duty and this can result in arrest and a criminal conviction."

Another similar incident occurred on Clegg Street, after four males in a car were given a warning by police for not wearing seatbelts.

During the incident, a 28-year-old male threatened and swore at an officer, and the group then surrounded the police and began to shout at them.

The spokesperson said: "Police have the full support of schools, Mosques, action groups, local leaders, local councillors and every decent member of the public, and as such we will identify and deal with anyone conducting themselves in this way in future."