A TEENAGER dubbed 'The Little Gangster' after allegedly terrorising residents and shopkeepers has been banned from parts of Blackburn and ordered to stay in at night.

Lewis Thomas Elliot, 16, of Bedford Street, Blackburn, has been accused of threatening staff from shops in Mill Hill.

He is also alleged to have smashed bottles in the street, screamed and shouted during the early hours and made residents frightened of leaving their homes.

Blackburn magistrates have made him the subject of an interim Anti-Social Behaviour Order curbing his actions ahead of a full hearing on August 8.

He must obey a curfew between 10pm and 7am and is banned from entering Francis Street, St George's Avenue and Angela Street.

In addition, he is not allowed to possess or control any hand or power tools that could be used to enter vehicles or assist in committing crime.

He must not be under the influence of or drink alcohol in a public place, or take control of any vehicle.

Another condition of the interim ASBO is that he must not use abusive, threatening or insulting words or cause any person harassment, alarm or distress.

He has also been banned from associating with two other youths.

Police are urging residents to contact them if they see Elliot breaking the terms of the interim order.

Police Constable Julia Titterington, community beat manager for Mill Hill, said: "Members of the public have described Elliot as a 'little gangster'.

"I received numerous complaints from the residents of Mill Hill about Elliot's behaviour.

"I have received reports of him threatening staff from shops, smashing bottles on the street, screaming and shouting during the early hours of the morning and generally making people afraid to come out of their homes at night.

"These allegations have not yet been examined and no guilt has yet been found. However the magistrates did feel that the evidence was strong enough to issue an interim Anti Social Behaviour Order."

Managers at the Spar supermarket in Queen's Terrace said their staff and customers would welcome the action. A spokeswoman for the store said: "Everyone in Mill Hill knows this lad and everyone will be happy that something has been done about him.

"Some employees are intimidated by him and many of the customers are too. If some poeple see him in front of a shop the are frighetened to walk past him to get in."

A resident in St George's Avenue also welcomed the order. Wishing to remain anonymous, she said: "I know he and his mates often sit out in front of our houses making all kinds of noise until late at night.

"This lad has made our lives a misery for so long, so most people will be delighted that he's been taken in hand."

Anyone with information about Elliot is asked to call the police on 0845 1253545 or PC Titterington on 01254 353575.