A 13-year-old has been arrested following violent disorder in Rossendale amidst ongoing anti-social behaviour in Bacup.

Police were called to Rawtenstall town centre on August 20 following reports of large groups of youth wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons.

Officers were met with threatening behaviour during patrols in Bacup during the same week.

Following enquiries, on August 28 Rossendale police arrested a 13-year-old boy from Bacup on suspicion of affray and a public order.

The teenager has been bailed to keep out of the area whilst enquiries continue.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Rossendale, Matt Plummer, said “I want to make it clear that this type of behaviour will not be accepted on the streets of Rossendale.

“I will ensure robust action is taken against those who not only cause issues for the public but then threaten our officers and staff whose job it is to attend the incidents.”

The arrest comes as part of a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour known as Operation Centurion.

It has been led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, whose priority was to get tough on anti-social behaviour.