MASKED youths armed with sticks have prompted police to seek a dispersal order for parts of East Lancashire.

Neighbours alerted police after more than 30 troublemakers were spotted on the streets of Barden and Reedley, straddling the Burnley and Pendle border at 6.50pm on Thursday.

Police have confirmed three arrests have been made and efforts are now being made to restore order to the district.

Three teens– aged 15, 16 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody.

No serious injuries were reported.

A small number of weapons have also been recovered.

A police inspector has now authorised a 48-hour dispersal order, covering an area bordered by Reedley Road, Marsden Road, Briercliffe Road, Barden Lane, Windermere Road and Burnley Road.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "This is following an incident where young people have been walking some of the streets in that area, masked, carrying sticks and refusing to comply with officers requests to stop.

"Three males have been arrested. Anyone whom officers deem suspicious, within this time period, can be given a direction to leave and failure to do so, or returning within the time period, will result in the subject being arrested."

Police have thanked residents who reported the original violence and confirmed the dispersal order remains in force until 8.15pm on Saturday.

DI Mel Kelly of East CID, said: “We know this will cause concern in the local area but would like to reassure you that we are treating this very seriously and that patrols have been increased in the area.

“If you saw anybody acting suspiciously or witnessed the incident itself, we need to hear from you.”

The order is the second in the Burnley area after similar restrictions were imposed in the town centre for 'Mad Friday' on December 20.

Others have been imposed, last October, in Clayton-le-Moors and Darwen, amid concerns over public disorder.