THREE Burnley youngsters are among the first in the country to be locked up by magistrates under new laws after allegedly racially abusing an Asian shop-keeper.

The youths, two 16-year-olds and a 12-year-old, all from Burnley, were remanded into custody by magistrates in the town after being charged with racially aggravated affray.

They have not been convicted of any offence but have been sent to secure accommodation in the county until their next court appearance later this month.

They were remanded under the new Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 which gives magistrates new power to lock up youngsters for certain offences, including race crimes, or if they are a repeat offender.

The aim of the legislation is to deal with the problem of youngsters being hauled before the courts for one offence and then re-offending if given bail.

Previously youngsters under 16 could only be remanded in custody on the most serious of charges.

All three Burnley youngsters were arrested on Friday after police were called to a mini-market in the Brunshaw area of town.

The owner had complained of youths trying to damage the shop and chanting racist abuse.

The Crown Prosecution Service and the police applied to magistrates for the remand in custody under the new law which came into effect on the same day as Monday's court hearing.

DC Dave Groombridge of Burnley CID said: "The legislation has been brought in to protect the public and to stop further offences being committed. This remand shows that we will treat any alleged racial offences very seriously indeed and will not hesitate to use any law at our disposal."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "These new powers will have to be used with care but a minority of offenders should not be able to destroy the lifestyle of the majority, so this is to be welcomed as long as it is used with caution."

Home Office Minister Hilary Benn said: " It is an unfortunate fact that for a minority of young people, custody really is the only way of protecting the public. Courts across the country will now have the option of remanding these teenagers into custody for society's protection."

The new powers are available for youngsters charged with offences like car crime, non-domestic burglary and vandalism.