POLICE have asked parents to check if their children are carrying hammers after several were stolen.

The small hammers, used to smash glass in case of emergency, were taken from vehicles at Darwen Coach Services at Westview in the Chapels area.

Four coaches were damaged and fire extinguishers set off in them.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley of Darwen CID said: "The last time this an offence like this happened was on New Year's Eve and soon after that a number of cars were damaged around the town and the last thing we want is for that to happen.

"I would ask anyone who knows anything to come forward. If you are a parent and have seen one of these little hammers in your child's possession take it off them."

Anyone with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 701777.