THE political boss of an East Lancashire borough has called on residents appalled at the violence in Israel and Gaze to ensure they do not let their frustrations at the conflict spill out onto it streets.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Phil Riley made the plea for restraint at the start of Thursday evening's meeting of the authority's executive board.

He spokes out as Israel stepped up its military strikes Gaza in the wake of Hamas's weekend attack on Southern Israel and the death toll on both sides escalated.

Cllr Riley told the meeting: "We are all shocked and appalled at the awful violence that has broken out in Israel and Gaza and the loss of so many, many innocent lives.

"Our hearts and prayers go to everyone affected.

"The events that are unfolding - and are still unfolding - are deeply distressing and many people in the borough are personally affected and are calling for an end to all the violence and all the killings.

"Our borough stands in solidarity with all who want peace and we can play our part by showing restraint.

"We must never let the frustrations from these atrocities elsewhere spill into our streets."

The meeting then observed a minute's silence for the victims on both sides of the conflict.