A TEENAGER is set to appear in court after allegedly being in possession of a knife at a town’s bus station.

The alleged incident is just one involving teenagers at Accrington Bus Station

Now Hyndburn Police have issued a warning to parents that they will detain and prosecute anybody behaving in a criminal or anti-social manner.

Police have said that they have seen a dramatic rise in incidents at the bus station which have seen staff, shop owners and the public verbally abused.

In one incident a teenager allegedly used a lock knife to damage a bin.

Officers are now warning parents to clamp down on their children’s behaviour before they have to intervene.

A police spokesman posted on Facebook: “Local neighbourhood policing officers are urging parents to keep an eye on their children following an increase in anti-social behaviour along with criminal offences at Accrington Bus Station.

“Officers are asking parents to assist the police by setting boundaries around their children’s behaviour.

“The staff from the bus station have reported a dramatic increase in anti-social behaviour involving young persons being verbally abusive towards staff, members of the public and local shop owners in the area.

“In some situations due to the seriousness of the offence police have arrested and detained some of the young people involved. One recent incident was of a young person producing a lock knife proceeding to scratch the metal waste paper bin with the blade. The young person will be attending court in the new year regarding being in possession of a bladed article in a public place and criminal damage.

“Officers will always try to deal with criminal activity and anti-social behaviour with a measured response that is proportionate to the circumstances, however, if your child is identified as committing crime or anti-social behaviour, police will take action to ensure that the bus station staff and the local public are protected and our town centre is a safe place to visit.”

Cllr Tony Dobson, leader of the Conservative group on Hyndburn Council, said anti-social behaviour was not welcome.

He said: “Any form of anti-social behaviour will put people off coming to the town.”

To report a crime call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.