Blackburn and Darwen Police said they will be removing ‘children and young people from streets and public areas'.

It follows incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn on the night of Friday September 24.

A police spokesperson said: “Following repeated incidents of anti social behaviour and criminal damage in the Mill Hill area the Neighbourhood Policing Team supported by the neighbourhood Taskforce and officers from our mounted branch we are conducting a joint operation with Blackburn with Darwen Children Social Care, Community Safety Partnership, Youth Justice Services and Engage Team.

“Operation Staysafe involves the legitimate removal of children and young people from streets/public areas who may be classed as vulnerable and at risk of significant harm or are committing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“These children/young people are removed into Police protection and taken to a designated place of safety where plans can then be put in place to protect them in future or to try and prevent them from getting involved in crime.”