ACCRINGTON is probably the safest town in the country, the area's police chief has claimed.

Inspector Julian Platt said despite a 16 per cent rise in recorded violent crime and a series of serious incidents, people should have nothing to fear about going in Accrington.

And he said: "I would go so far as to say Accrington is probably the safest town in the country now."

His comments came as he was quizzed about community safety in Accrington town centre during a meeting of the town centre regeneration committee.

Insp Platt said: "There does sometimes seem to be a perception that if you go out in Accrington you will be attacked and nothing could be further from the truth.

"The rise in violent crime has been widely reported, but they include the most minor of offences and I have asked for figures to be reviewed.

"And of the serious incidents we have had, without exception people have been arrested for those offences.

"We have an excellent CCTV system too. People have nothing to fear in coming out to Accrington."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: ""The CCTV is very important and we will continue to work to make sure people feel safe coming to Accrington."