A CRACKDOWN on under-age drinkers in Burnley saw almost 100 youngsters spoken to by police on just one night.

Officers said one 16-year-old-boy, who had drunk 13 cans of lager, was found to have stomach injuries after throwing fireworks and two 12-year-old girls had dressed in their mums’ clothes to try to buy alcohol from an off-licence.

In total 20 youngsters who were thought to be ‘vulnerable’ were taken to a safe haven and their parents told to pick them up while others were taken home.

Yesterday residents in the Accrington Road area, one of the main areas where patrols were carried out, welcomed the action saying they did not feel safe in their own homes because of the actions of drunk youngsters.

And PC Claire Pearson, who led the operation, vowed to step up patrols even further in the run up to Bonfire Night.

She said: “Any anti-social or reckless behaviour will be treated very seriously.”

The patrols, which were carried out between 6.30pm and 12.15am in Burnley and Padiham, saw police and council officers identify young people out late at night who were at risk of offending or being targeted by offenders.

It was part of the wider Operation Staysafe, a multi-agency scheme.

Police said the 16-year-old-boy was found to have burns to his stomach after admitting throwing fireworks the night before.

He and a 14-year-old girl were given £40 on-the-spot fines for throwing fireworks.

The boy, along with 20 other 12 to 17-year-olds, was taken to the Sure Start Centre, in Tay Street, which was set up as a safe haven.

Inside the centre social services and family intervention workers were on hand to provide support to the youngsters and their parents.

PC Pearson said: “Fortunately the boy who had been caught throwing fireworks was not seriously injured.

"However, it is concerning that we are finding groups of young children on the streets drinking alcohol and in possession of fireworks.

“Alcohol and fireworks certainly do not mix and as we approach Bonfire Night, we will be working closely with the fire service, local authorities and Trading Standards officers to reduce the nuisance caused by fireworks.

“Any anti-social or reckless behaviour will be treated very seriously.”

According to police, the two 12-year-old girls had dressed in adult clothes to try to buy alcohol from a shop.

They were taken home along with two boys, aged 16 and 17, who were found drinking on the street.

Officers said they spoke to a total of 95 youngsters and seized 31 litres of booze, including lager, cider and vodka.

Residents in the area around the Sure Start Centre welcomed the action.

Susan Rothwell, 56, who has lived in Howard Street for 22 years, said: “Just last week children who must have been about 13 or 14-years-old smashed a window at a house across the road and broke in.

"They are always starting fires.

“We do see them coming down with bottles and beer cans quite a lot.

“It is bad, but it was even worse at one time. There aren’t as many children in the houses now and there are more rented homes.”

Another resident in the area, who asked not to be named, said: “You have to live here to see it and believe it.

“All I’ll say is that everything you hear is true.”

To report the illegal sale of fireworks or alcohol call Burnley Police on 01282 472107 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.