9 youths arrested over theft and criminal damage offences following night of police action

Five of the teenagers were arrested on Thursday night following reports of stones being thrown at the window of a property.

The boys - aged 17, 17, 16, 15 and 13 - were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and remain in police custody where they are being questioned by detectives.

The arrestes follow concerns made to police about issues in the Brunswick area of Blackpool surrounding groups of teenagers causing anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Divisional Commander Chief Supt Karen Edwards said: "These arrests follow community concerns in the Brunswick area surrounding groups of teenagers causing anti-social behaviour and disorder, which we know is having a significant impact on the good people of Brunswick.

"I promised that we would take more proactive action with anti-social behaviour across West Division and this is just the beginning.

"I will be working with partners to ensure that, not only we bring to justice those who cause harm to our communities, but we also look at a longer-term plan to protect residents.

"We ask you to work with us.

"If you have any information about the issues in the area - or indeed any other area of Blackpool - report it via our website or phone 101."

Meanwhile also on Thursday night, in Lytham, police carried out additional proactive work and identified that a number of vehicles had been tampered with in Ansdell, with one broken into.

The helicopter and dog units were launched and four teenagers were apprehended a short while later. 

Chief Supt Karen Edwards added: "We deployed air support and dog units, resulting in the arrests of four teenagers from Blackpool who are currently in police custody.

"I promised residents that my officers would take more proactive action in relation to community concerns. This is a great example of this approach and this is just the beginning.

"The boys - aged 13, 13, 16 and 16 - were all arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.

"They remain in police custody where they are being questioned by detectives."