A SOLICITOR has claimed that some doormen in Blackburn town centre are arming themselves with police style extending batons.

Stephen Parker told the town's magistrates his client had been threatened with a baton outside a club was later confronted by a number of doormen, several with similar weapons.

"They were of the extending type that only police officers are authorised to carry," said Mr Parker. "The fact that they were produced by these doormen in such numbers is a matter of considerable concern. There are some real and serious issues here and I would hope the police will make some inquiries into what has been said"

Robert Roger Mills, 20, of Canterbury Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, a baseball bat, in a public place. He was fined £200 and the magistrates ordered forfeiture and destruction of the bat,

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, said a Mr Hayes, who works as a doorman, was walking home along Mincing Lane when he saw Mills holding the bat.

"He was abusive to the bouncer who was sharp back," said Miss Dacre. "Mr Hayes felt threatened and he tried to get near to Mills so he could not swing the bat at him. Other bouncers came to assist and Mills ran off."

Miss Dacre said Mills told police about an earlier threat towards him with a police style baton.

Mr Parker said there had been an incident inside a club earlier in the evening and Mills had been ejected. While he was waiting outside he was manhandled by a bouncer and noticed that one of his colleagues had a weapon so he went home and got this baseball bat," said Mr Parker.

Nobody at Blackburn police or the Licensed Victuallers' Association was available for comment.