Gang of 30 masked men descend on village

2:47pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

A GANG of up to 30 balaclava-clad men descended on a village in high-powered cars to look for someone.

Police said they believe the group had a 'violent intent' and that the incident in Worsthorne was likely to be drug related.

A convoy of high powered cars including BMWs and Range Rovers drove into Church Square at around 4.30pm yesterday.

Police said the men were looking for a Burnley man.

Officers and the force helicopter were sent to the scene.

Police arrested nine men, all from Greater Manchester, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

The Salterforth Lane area was sealed off for a time.

Police said a number of suspects fled the scene in their vehicles and detectives are continuing to hunt them.

Sergeant Phil Carter said: "About 30 lads from Manchester turned up looking for a Burnley man.

"The men were wearing balaclavas but were not armed.

"At this stage we are not sure of the exact details but it is likely to be drug related.

"Anyone who saw anything or know anything about the incident should contact us."

Police said the helicopter was used to try and track down those who had fled the scene.

The nine men being held at Burnley police station range from teenagers to men in their 30s and 40s.