An MP has congratulated police officers for their handling of an incident in which a large group of youths was reported to be wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons.

One person was also reported to have been assaulted during the incident in Rawtenstall town centre on Tuesday (August 20).

A dispersal order was in place until midnight on Tuesday covering the whole town centre as well as Tesco, Asda, and the New Hall Hey retail park.

The order gave officers the power to move antisocial groups away from the area.

Andy McNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, praised officers for their response when he met with police the following morning.

READ MORE: Why a dispersal order was in place across Rawtenstall

He said: “In many ways, this was a textbook response and I would like to congratulate the police on their handling of this incident.

“We also need to recognise that residents and businesses remain rightly concerned, particularly in light of what has been occurring elsewhere in the country in recent weeks.

“To this end, visible policing is being maintained and a reassurance patrol plan is being drafted. I was pleased to be able to discuss this with officers.

“This plan will include late shifts and a continued focus on town centre patrols. This will carry on through the week and be reviewed at the weekend.

“Looking further forward, I will continue to work with the police on maintaining visible policing and making sure that the concerns of residents and businesses are heard and responded to.”

Police said they received information to suggest large groups of youths were wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons in Rawtenstall town centre and assaulted someone.

They said the section 34 dispersal order was put in place to “allow other members of the community to enjoy the area without any issue.”