A SCHOOL was cordoned off after yobs threw a gas cylinder off a school roof.

Fire chiefs branded the youngsters reckless and said they endangered the lives of residents, themselves and firefighters.

The gang threw the red 40kg Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder from the roof where workmen had been carrying out repairs at Norden High School in Rishton on Saturday afternoon .

The highly flammable gas either caught fire or was set alight in the incident, which happened at just before noon.

Fire crews from Accrington were at the scene for over an hour while police cordoned off the school grounds for safety reasons. Emergency services eventually decided it was not necessary to evacuate surrounding houses in Cliff Street and Stourton Street, when the fire was put out, without causing any damage to the school.

Accrington Sub Officer Steve Harrison said: "Because of the youths' actions, we had to risk firefighters' lives, and they also risked their own lives and the lives of the children practising on the pitches alongside.

"It was an extremely dangerous and reckless thing to do.

"It took us over an hour to sort this out, because it was so dangerous. We could not go near the scene for a while.

"It was dangerous for the local residents and everyone nearby. We would also remind all contractors who are going to do work, to always lock up items such as LPG containers. They are very dangerous items."

Residents nearby praised the emergency services' actions in controlling the incident.

Ian Astley, of Stourton Street, whose house faces the school gates, said: "The police and fire service were very considerate towards the people living around here and they handled it all very professionally. "They came and knocked on my door because they had to cordon off the school, but otherwise it didn't affect us too much. I know how dangerous LPG cylinders can be -- when they go, they really go."

Another resident of Stourton Street, who asked not to be named, said: "We saw the fire brigade and the police, but everything seemed to be dealt with very quietly, and it didn't cause us any problems."

Insp Mick Laraway of Blackburn police, said: "There were more canisters in the area, so it was thought wise to cordon off the area, but in the event, it was not a problem.

"We have made some enquiries and there are no criminal offences connected with this incident.

"But we will be speaking to a number of people relating to it."