POLICE are hunting a gang of teenagers who are carrying out a campaign of terror aimed at youngsters in Barrowford.

Detectives say the group of Asians are hanging around on bikes near the popular Victoria Park and are targeting white youngsters.

Police say four teenagers have been assaulted or bullied during the last month by the gang of five or six Asian youths.

Officers are treating the incidents as racially motivated.

In one incident a youngster was assaulted.

His bike was stolen and thrown into a pond.

Another was attacked and had his nose broken by the group, who police say are all aged about 14 or 15.

Detectives are now appealing for help to catch the gang who have so far struck at between 6pm and 8pm.

Detective Sergeant Dave Groombridge, of the Pennine police hate crime unit based in Burnley, said: "We have had a series of incidents where an Asian gang has been picking on and assaulting much younger boys.

"We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen this group hanging around near the park to get in touch."

He said descriptions of the gang were vague but that one who appeared to be the leader rode a bright orange bike.

Inspector Paul Robinson, in charge of policing in Brierfield and Nelson, added that extra police patrols to combat the increase in anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Bonfire Night had been briefed to keep a look-out for the gang.

He said: "Initially we had reports of two assaults taking place.

"But, while investigating those, others came to light which would seem to be connected.

"The gang we are looking for consists of a group of Asians, half-a-dozen at most.

"There is one youngster who seems to take a lead.

"As happens every year, there will be extra police on the streets in the evening to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"They will be keeping an eye out for any youths who match the descriptions of these teenagers."

Anyone with information should call PC Mustaq Patala on 01282 472282.