A TEENAGER has been charged with assaulting and threatening to kill a traffic warden while he was on duty in Nelson.

Police said the incident began at about 9am yesterday in Railway Street when a Parkwise officer was allegedly confronted and threatened. No tickets had been issued, they said.

The incident is said to have continued in Berkeley Street and the warden was left with bruising to his face and injuries to his wrist and thumb.

Inspector Jon Bullas said: "This was a nasty attack on a man who, at the end of the day, was simply doing his job. People may not particularly have warmed to the Parkwise attendants and certainly won't like getting tickets but this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable.

"Where there is clear evidence of offences, we will put people before the courts and if deemed appropriate they will go to prison."

The Parkwise scheme was launched last year, replacing traditional traffic wardens employed by the police with increased numbers of staff employed by local authorities.

Stephen Barnes, chief executive of Pendle Council, which runs the scheme in conjunction with Lancashire County Council, said: "I was shocked to hear about this incident on a parking attendant who was just doing his job.

"No one should have to face violence of any kind when they're just going about their business, and I can't say strongly enough that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Pendle."

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact Nelson Police on 01282 425001.

l A 19-year-old man from Nelson has been charged with common assault and making threats to kill and is due to appear in court next week.