PARENTS are being told to take more responsibility for their children after 18 young people were found causing trouble in the latest night-time patrol.

The children, many of them found drinking alcohol and involved in anti-social behaviour, were detained in the Bank Top area of Blackburn as part of Operation Stay Safe.

They were taken to a safe place by police and council workers before their parents were asked to collect them, remind-ed about their responsibilities and given details about support services.

Blackburn police inspector Muz Patala who ran the weekend operation said they were concerned parents did not know where their children were.

Insp Patala added: “Some of the 18 children we found were a long distance from home and the majority of them were involved in anti-social behaviour.

"Some were on the brink of committing crime and were putting themselves at risk of harm."

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said: “We are now doing follow-up work with the 18 young people we identified as vulnerable and their families to make sure they receive any extra support or services that they need.”