POLICE have issued a stark message to drunken yobs in Accrington over the Bank Holiday Weekend: "You will not be tolerated."

Police will be out in force on Sunday night, to prevent bad behaviour from boozy workers who will not have to be up for work the next day.

The police's town centre team will send out high visibility patrols who will be accompanied by licensing officers and help from the operational support unit.

PC Steven Hilton, of Accrington Police, said: "The Sunday before Bank Holiday attracts more people and we expect it to be even busier than normal.

"We will be running an operation involving high visibility patrols throughout the evening."

The police activity follows on from a similar operation over Easter Sunday. PC Hilton said: "We had very few incidents on Easter Sunday overnight and very few drink-related.

"It was very good natured and a friendly atmosphere. We want to make sure they can enjoy that evening.

" Any anti-social behaviour will be dealt with in a very positive manner.

Councillor Tony Dobson, Conservative representative for the Barnfield ward, and owner of the Arcade Bar, Warner Street, said: "I think schemes like this help because they make people feel safe in the town centre.

"We welcome any operation that the police are putting on just to get extra security."

The move comes just weeks after police in East Lancashire revealed plans to slap on-the-spot fines on unruly drinkers in town centres.

Boozy revellers can now be handed a fine, rather than being given a caution.