'Arranged' gang fight in town centres causes distress for residents

Police in Burnley and Rawtenstall town centre officers were tackling reports of a "pre-arranged fight"

Measures were put in place by police in two town centres last night following reports of a "pre-arranged fight".

Officers said they involved a "significant number of young people" and dispersal orders were in place in Burnley and Rawtenstall to "keep the public safe".

The orders meant police could remove people from the area and they could be arrested if they return.

The orders ran until 23:00 BST on Thursday.

Burnley Police said recent anti-social behaviour in the town centre had been disruptive and upsetting for residents.

A spokesman said: "There have been large gatherings of youths in the town centre for the past two evenings however the fight has yet to take place.

"There have been flare ups of anti-social behaviour in the town centre as a result and this is having a significant impact on members of the public who are in the town centre for legitimate reasons."

"The rights of the youths to assemble must be balanced against the rights of the community to enjoy their local area with their families."