Boy, 13, following reports of balaclava-clad teens armed with weapons in Rawtenstall and Bacup

Police were called after large groups of youths wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons were spotted in Rawtenstall town centre on August 20.

Officers were also met with threatening behaviour as they patrolled Bacup in the same week.

A 13-year-old boy from Bacup was subsequently arrested on suspicion of affray and Section 4 public order on August 28.

He was bailed to keep out of the area whilst enquiries continued.

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Matt Plummer, Neighbourhood Inspector for Rossendale, said: “I want to make it clear that this type of behaviour will not be accepted on the streets of Rossendale.

“I will ensure robust action is taken against those who not only cause issues for the public but then threaten our officers and staff whose job it is to attend the incidents.”

Operation Centurion is a county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

It is led by Lancashire Constabulary and backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.