A NEW anti-crime action group has been formed in the Daneshouse area of Burnley, following a spate of attacks on cars.

Five cars owned by Community Forum leaders were targeted in the latest wave of overnight attacks -- with damage estimated at more than £5,000.

A Nissan Primera owned by Forum leader and Burnley LibDem councillor Mozaquir Ali, was attacked with acid stripper in Burns Street.

On the same night, four cars owned by Forum member Shah Hussein and Burns Street mosque secretary Abdul Malik, were attacked outside their homes, with bodywork damaged, windows smashed and upholstery slashed.

Now, after an urgent call for action, a joint meeting between police and community groups has set up the Daneshouse Community Action Group to combat crime in the district.

Coun Ali welcomed the move stating: "Something had to be done. Attacks on our members' cars -- mine has been damaged several times in recent years -- has been a problem for some time.

"We suspect a political motive, but I must stress we do not believe leaders of rival organisations either promoted, had knowledge of or supported these criminal actions. They, like us, condemn this sort of thing.

"However, people are very angry and a joint organisation to tackle crime is needed to prevent people taking matters into their own hands with reprisals."

He added: "I welcome the police interest and involvement in the new group."

Inspector John Clucas, who attended the meeting, said the car crime was just one aspect of community safety which would be tackled by the group, which would comprise various agencies, as well as community members.

"It can only be a good thing," he added.