POLICE are investigating complaints about a gang of fire-raising teenagers who are wasting Burnley firefighters' time and resources.

The youngsters aged from 13 to 16 are repeatedly starting rubbish fires on land near to the arched gateway entrance to Towneley Park.

They even taunt fire officers that they will have to return in another 20 minutes.

Members of the fire station blue watch have attended about 20 incidents in the last fortnight with other crews also being called on different occasions.

Police have been informed and inquiries are taking place.

Sub-officer John Davies said: "I have spoken to them telling them that they are taking up the time and resources of one of the town's two fire appliances and that we could be needed at a more serious situation. But they take no notice."

About a dozen youngsters are using the area as a gathering ground from 4pm through to late evening.

The latest incident was last night at 9.30pm.

Mr Davies said: "They keep setting fires to any kind of rubbish they can lay their hands on and including mattresses.

"The fires are in the open and not causing damage but because they are so near to the main Todmorden Road motorists see the fires and contact us.

"When we get there we receive a lot of verbal abuse and taunts that after we have left we will have to be back in another twenty minutes."

He added: "It is taking up a lot of our time, we were there again last night at 9.30pm.

"If the youngsters wont take notice of us I hope their parents can take action and advise them against starting fires."