Burnley: Stop-and-search and dispersal orders in place

Both orders cover a large area of the town centre, including the canal from the bridge over Yorkshire Street down to the Finsley Gate area, a small section of Manchester Road, and part of Active Way, close to Burnley Central train station.

The section 60 stop-and-search order was put in place at 3.30pm and will be active for 24 hours, until 3.30pm on Thursday, April 4.

The area inside the red circle is subject to the orders (Image: Lancashire Police)

The section 34 dispersal order was also put in place at 3.30pm and will be active until midnight.

A police spokesperson said: “Sometimes ordinary stop and search powers aren’t enough and enhanced section 60 powers allow us to stop and search people and vehicles without suspicion. They are there to prevent crime and disorder and also to keep you safe and feeling safe.

“The section 34 dispersal order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act, allows a police officer to direct any person who is in the designated area to leave the area and not to return within a specified time period.

“You should be reassured to see a really visible policing presence in the area. However, if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers.”

Lancashire Police have been contacted for further details.

This comes after a dispersal order was in force across Burnley, around the town centre and bus station, between 7pm and midnight on Tuesday. 

This followed reports of a pre-arranged fight due to take place between teenagers.

A large group of teenagers was subsequently found to be present in the area shortly before that time.