YOUNG thugs and arsonists who have stoned fire crews on a blighted Blackburn estate have been warned that they could kill someone.

Mercy crews have been called out several times a night to the Fishmoor Estate, where more than 60 houses are being demolished by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Only this week youths hurled bricks and stones at emergency crews after deliberately starting a fire in the Maryport Close area.

Police, council and fire officials met to discuss the situation and have agreed to work together on the problem.

Demolition work will be speeded up in attempt to clear the site faster and police and private security guard patrols will be stepped up in the evening.

Blackburn fire chief Chris Norse said: "Something must be done about this situation before someone is seriously hurt or killed. These youngsters are not only putting their own lives at risk but also those of my firefighters.

"We are getting called out four or five times a night and sometimes as late as midnight.

"Surely the parents of these youths must know where their children are and what they have been doing."

Mr Norse added: "While we have appliances dealing with fires in Fishmoor, appliances from other areas like Accrington and Darwen have to come over and cover the Blackburn area.

"This problem is taking up our time and resources and it could have serious implications if we are called out to deal with a serious incident." Sergeant Andrea Barrow, of Blackburn police, said: "We have been called to incidents where the fire brigade have been stoned and it is a drain on our resources as well.

"We will be increasing our presence in the area and targeting people we believe may be responsible for these fires.

"It seems that youths are not just coming from the Fishmoor estate but from other parts of the town.

"We would appeal to parents to keep a closer eye on their children especially in the evening.

"Anyone who wants to give us information about who is responsible for these fires and attacks should ring Blackburn police station on 01254 51212."

Blackburn with Darwen Council housing director Phil Richards said: "We are aware of the problem and plan to speed up demolition work on the estate.

"We have also agreed to improve security and will be working closely with the police and fire brigade with the hope of easing the problems."

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