Police order youths to disperse
POLICE have been forced to take action after hundreds of youths were caught continuously gathering.
Lancashire Police issued dispersal orders after more than a hundred young people were spotted at Rishton Waterfalls, where a Public Health Incident was declared, with incidents of anti-social manner reported.
Officers said similar incidents occurred at Jackhouse Nature Reserve in Oswaldtwistle.
Dispersal orders were authorised, giving police extra powers to break up groups of two or more people, where they believe their behaviour is causing a nuisance, harassment or distress.
Extra police patrols were deployed to the areas and officers warned they will take action where necessary.
A spokesperson for Hyndburn Police said: “Community concerns have been raised recently due to various incidents of youths gathering in large numbers (100+) and acting in an Anti-Social Manner at Rishton Waterfalls (where a Public Health Incident was declared) and Jackhouse Nature Reserve in Oswaldtwistle.
“In view of this Hyndburn Geographic Inspector Steve Rides has authorised dispersal orders covering each location to ensure further gatherings and Anti-social behaviour is prevented.
In an update on Sunday, Hyndburn Police said they made several ‘disruption visits’ to both sites, along with further checks at Foxhill Bank Bridge, and found no youths congregating or endangering themselves in these areas.