Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden and Pendle MP, Andrew Stephenson have joined officers on the beat in East Lancashire as part of Operation Centurion.

Mr Snowden and Mr Stephenson joined officers in Nelson and Colne to see how the operation is getting tough on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The day offered a first-hand insight for the MP to see how officers are tackling local issues and how policing demand in the area is overlapping with concerns raised to him by constituents.

During the walkabout, Mr Snowden and Mr Stephenson were able to discuss how Operation Centurion is already making progress in tackling ASB in Pendle, with Colne being recently announced as one of eight additional hotspot areas set to benefit from increased foot patrols.

Launched in July, Operation Centurion sees extra police patrols in ASB hotspots across the county, and tough action being taken against offenders by police and partner agencies who use the full force of the law – as well as civil powers – to protect local communities.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Snowden said: "As the local MP, Andrew already has a brilliant existing relationship with his local neighbourhood team, but days like this are an opportunity to see how the police are pro-actively dealing with the issues residents raise to him on a daily basis.

“Getting tough on anti-social behaviour is a top priority in my Fighting Crime Plan and I’m pleased to hear from officers that bolstered patrols are making a real impact.

"It's also encouraging to hear how the additional civil enforcement officers I have funded as part of the constabulary's new ASB, prevention and problem solving command are enabling officers to push for civil orders more easily.

"I will continue to work alongside the chief constable and partners, such as MPs, to deliver the best results for residents in Lancashire and keep our communities safe."

Mr Stephenson said: "It was great to hear directly from Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner and local officers about the work they are undertaking to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Pendle.

"I hope everyone will play their part and report incidents of anti-social behaviour when they occur."