Great Harwood pram race axed after drunken chaos

Organisers of Great Harwood's pram race have decided to abandon any future events after police and ambulance staff had to attend numerous booze fuelled incidents on Sunday.

The event, which involved fundraisers donning fancy dress and pushing each other through the town in prams, was held to collect cash for the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Benevolent Fund.

But it attracted a large crowd who used the pram push as an excuse to get drunk and cause trouble, police said.

Officers had to deal with:

• a brawl in the Walmsley Arms, Queen Street, where a person was glassed
• a fight in the Lomax Arms pub, Blackburn Road
• a punch-up between youths in Game Street which left two people needing hospital treatment
• a smashed shop window.

Three people were arrested on the day and a further five were served with notices to leave the town.

Ambulance crew were called out to 12 incidents - leaving the emergency services stretched to the limit.

Inspector Dave Mangan, Accrington police, said: "I was the senior police officer on duty throughout the operation and I was very disappointed with what went on.

"Whilst the pram race passed without incident, there were a number of cases of disorder in the evening and a minority of people acted in an inappropriate and unacceptable manner, which put a strain on both police and ambulance resources."

Officers have met with the organisers of the event - now in its tenth year - and have decided that Sunday's pram push will be the last one.

Sgt Stuart Banks, Great Harwood police, said: "I am extremely disappointed at the behaviour of a number of participants who ruined what should have been a family fundraising event after drinking excessively and causing trouble.

"I have spoken with the organisers who have decided they will not be holding the event again due to concerns for public safety, which is a great shame after nine successful years."