POLICE made a surprise night-time swoop on a gang of nuisance youths at a local trouble-spot.

Around 20 officers rounded up teenagers outside Queen Street mill, Harle Syke, after secret surveillance was used to uncover the trouble-makers.

Thirteen boys aged between 12 and 19 were arrested and taken to Burnley police station, where parents were summoned to collect them.

The children were charged with offences including criminal damage, carrying offensive weapons, under-age drinking, dropping litter and breach of the peace. They were all released after cautioning.

Police, who have been keeping a Queen Street nuisance register for three months, are now looking for a long-term solution to the problem of gangs gathering in the area.

Burnley's police chief, Superintendent Mike Griffin, said: "The message appears to have got home to some parents, because two of the arrested youths were seen picking up litter the morning after.

"No doubt there will now be a temporary cessation of problems, but the tendency is for problems to move back into the same areas."

He said police were in favour of providing an illuminated shelter where young people could gather at night.

"It needs to be just far enough way from houses for the noise not to be a problem. There has been no pressure for a youth club," said Mr Griffin.

He went on to explain the idea behind the nuisance register: "Any suggestion that someone is guilty of anti-social behaviour and we take their name and address.

"When someone has come to our notice on two occasions we will then send a letter to their parents saying their child has come to notice and they may be interested to know what they are up to.

"We are trying to work with parents, and there is a need for a long-term solution to this problem."

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