POLICE have launched a crackdown on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage following a spate of incidents caused by a gang of drunken youths.

In recent weeks a group of youths have been hanging around garages at the rear of Moorland Road and Rosewood Avenue, Burnley, drinking alcohol.

Officers believe the youths are responsible for a number of incidents of criminal damage which included a garage been destroyed in an arson attack.

Another garage had its door ripped off and property has been damaged and stolen.

As well as drinking alcohol the youths are using the garages as a shelter from the cold weather.

PC John Fisher, said: "We are asking local residents to come forward with information about a group of youths in the Rosehill area who are causing criminal damage following recent attacks on garages at the rear of Moorland Road and Rosewood Avenue."

Anyone with information should contact PC Fisher on 07946 884486 or 01282 425001.