THE mum of tragic teenager Melissa Strickson has offered to give advice to the family of a teen tearaway dubbed a 'mini crimewave' by police.

Sue Strickson, of Tythebarn Street, Darwen, said her heart went out in sympathy when she read about the 13-year-old boy, from the Accrington area, in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Her daughter died last October from a massive overdose at another adult's home after running away.

Sue is now campaigning for police and social services to be given more power to put children who regularly run away in a secure unit for a "short, sharp shock".

The boy's mother welcomed the move, saying: "That would be brilliant. I could do with talking to somebody. My son was taking drugs because my brother told me he was taking pills when he lived with them.

"I remember reading about Melissa and I couldn't believe it. I have expected that happening to my son - that he would be found dead."

Melissa ran away 27 times, sometimes not returning home for a week, last year.

Her mum said there were similarities between the boy's case and Melissa's plight and that she could help the other mother by giving her support.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, absconded from custody while waiting to be taken to a secure unit after being remanded in custody last week.

He was found last Tuesday, five days after fleeing.

He had originally appeared before Hyndburn magistrates on a string of burglary charges, for which sentencing will take place on June 25. His mother said her son had been in court more than 30 times in the last two years, mainly on burglary charges.

She pleaded with magistrates for him to be locked up to prevent him re-offending.

She said the courts kept letting him go and the social services found it difficult to handle him.

Sue said: "I thought it was disgusting when she talked about social services.

"It was the same feelings that I had about Melissa.

"I was outraged and felt sympathy. She has got one thing in her favour -- she has still got her son and now he is in a secure unit.

"That is what we wanted for Melissa.

"I would like to meet with her to discuss things.

"I want to give her advice and help, and maybe if two of us pressure social services we can have more effect.

"It is too late for me but not for her."