MOTORISTS panicking to buy petrol have been accused by police of putting lives at risk.

Traffic inspector Dave Holden said false rumours of another fuel crisis brought horrendous problems to Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and led to drivers blocking access to major services.

The entrance to Burnley ambulance station was blocked as Trafalgar Street became gridlocked by vehicles going to Kitchen's garage.

Police were called and they diverted traffic from Manchester Road up Burnham Gate.

In the opposite direction a queue stretched to the Westgate lights all afternoon. Finsley Gate and Princess Way were also badly affected.

Insp Holden said: "We were putting out the message 'don't panic' and that the rumours had all started because of someone's idea of a wheeze at a South Wales independent radio station putting out that the blockades could be starting again.

"It all started as a joke but caused horrendous problems in this area. Had there been a major incident during this time lives could have been at risk through emergency vehicles not being able to get access." Insp Holden said two or three petrol stations closed and others introduced rationing to try to keep the queues moving.

He added: "It has been pure panic and while people don't have confidence in the system it would seem they will continue doing it."

The panic began at noon and continued until late afternoon.

Colne Service Station manager Sharon Hindle had to come off the forecourt when she sold the last drop of diesel yesterday afternoon. She said: "I only had 4,000 litres of diesel left."

At Rawtenstall's Asda store manager Graham Price said: "We only got fuel on Monday night and did not ration it because the crisis was more or less over."

Communications Sergeant PC Paul Craig said: "We monitored traffic conditions and made sure that roads were clear and no public order offences took place.

"We had officers at Kitchen's and monitored the situation at other garages in the area.

"As far as we are aware there are no blockades anywhere and no imminent strike by tanker drivers. This is something which started down south yesterday morning and just spread throughout the country."

Earlier today, police said problems had subsided across East Lancashire.

The Radio Authority said it was investigating complaints about the Cardiff-based station, Red Dragon FM.