BUILDING site workers gave chase and detained a man they saw loitering near a Blackburn primary school.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the workers were 'concerned' about John Varey's behaviour as he walked up and down for about 20 minutes, looking at the children and apparently playing with his private parts.

But defence solicitor Stephen Parker said his client had simply been looking for somewhere to answer a call of nature, and thought he had found a secluded place to do so.

Varey, 53, of Ennerdale Avenue, Blackburn, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £100 to keep the peace for 12 months.

David Macro, defending, said that at about mid-day on Wednesday, the workers saw Varey near a high stone wall in Paradise Street.

"They say he was walking up and down and looking at the children playing in the yard," said Mr Macro.

"The builders were so concerned that they chased him, apprehended him and kept him until the police arrived. He says he was simply trying to relieve himself."