A POLICE unit set up to deal with race-hate crime is to investigate outbursts at a stormy public inquiry into controversial plans to build a mosque in the centre of Clitheroe.

The Ribble Valley Council Chamber erupted into a verbal scrum when plans to build the mosque at the back of an Islamic Education Centre, in Holden Street, came up before planning inspector Claire Sherratt.

Councillor Frank Dyson told Claire Sherratt that all sections of the Clitheroe community had a right to a place of worship and he knew his opinion on the matter was unpopular with constituents.

His comments sparked an outburst from the public gallery and the inspector was forced to call order when racist abuse was hurled at supporters of the mosque scheme.

Now officers from the Minorities Team at Lancashire Constabulary are compiling a report on the matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

They have taken statements from several individuals that attended the inquiry and witnessed the outbursts.

Insp Bob Ford, of Clitheroe Police, said: "We have been investigating the matter for some weeks and have taken statements from several people.

"Officers from our Minorities Team are involved in the investigation and we will be submitting a report to the Crown Prosecution Service in due course."

The Ribble Valley Against Racism group comprising local residents concerned about far-right political activity in the town is advising anyone witnessing a racist incident to report it to the police immediately.