POLICE today issued a warning to licensees being targeted by a gang of persistent late-night drinkers.

Publicans across East Lancashire were put on alert for a group of up to 20 who have been walking into pubs at the last minute and then refusing to leave.

The gang has turned up at pubs around closing time and ordered large rounds of drinks.

They then took over the establishment and insisted on staying.

Police licensing officer Gill Sherratt said: "It's quite understandable that landlords and landladies will not wish to turn trade away, particularly where such a large group is concerned.

"But we are worried about the potential for confrontation when these individuals are asked to leave and refuse to do so.

"Licensees should keep an eye on visitors to their premises, especially those who aren't regular visitors.

"If they suspect the problem group may be in their pub, they should ask them to leave.

"I would also ask licensees to remind their customers that once 'time' has been called, there is a maximum drinking-up time of 20 minutes, after which customers must leave the premises".

She added: "In an effort to try to ensure there are no more problems, officers will be carrying out an increased number of licensing visits to check that licensees are complying with the conditions of their licences.

"We will also be contacting all licensees with advice."