ALMOST 100 children out late at night were spoken to by police during the latest Operation Staysafe.

Officers took 13 youngsters off the streets as part of the joint initiative aimed at keeping young people safe in Blackburn.

Patrols were carried out between 5pm and 11pm on Friday, April 30, in the Feniscowles, Mill Hill, Galligreaves and Griffin areas.

Children aged between 14 and 17 were taken to Greenfield Community Centre, Green Lane, where their parents were contacted and offered support by various agencies including Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Children’s Services.

On the same night, 10 litres of alcohol, including cider, alcopops and lager were seized.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested for breaching his ASBO and has been released on police bail.

A 14-year-old girl was handed a Fixed Penalty Notice for being drunk and disorderly and a 14-year-old girl was arrested and charged with a public order offence after becoming verbally abusive towards police officers.

Blackburn Inspector Muz Patala said: “I hope people are reassured that the police and council are committed to doing all in their power to keep children safe and we will continue to carry out similar operations.”