A man has been arrested after a hair salon owner allegedly refused to close under Tier 4 restrictions.

Police were called to Fitzy's Hair and Beauty on Abbey Street in Accrington at around midday on Thursday after receiving an email from a concerned resident who said the salon appeared to still be open for business.

One passer-by, who did not wish to be named said: "The barber in there has been working today and he’s refusing to leave.

"He's been hanging out of the windows spouting his laws and rights to the police.

"It was all kicking off at one point and the police wouldn't let anyone hang around and were telling people to leave."

At midnight on Wednesday, Lancashire was placed into Tier 4, the highest coronavirus alert level with the most stringent restrictions.

All non-essential shops are to remain closed from Thursday, including barber shops, hairdressers and beauty salons.

A spokesperson for the police confirmed they were sent to the shop at lunchtime on Thursday.

The spokesperson said: "One person has been arrested after we attended the address on Abbey Street at around lunchtime today.

"The ambulance service were also called, and we believe environmental health and trading standards at the council have been made aware of the situation.

"As this is a business, it would be up to the council to deal with."

It is believed that during the incident a man became abusive and obstructive with police, leading to the arrest.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "We attended the scene with one ambulance following a call from the police at 1.11pm.

"We haven’t taken anyone to hospital."

Attempts to contact the salon and the council have been made.