POLICE have launched a New Year crackdown on anti-social behaviour after a group of teenagers, including a 13-year-old girl were arrested and held in the cells overnight.

The four teenagers were part of a large group of around 20 youths congregating on Broadway in Accrington town centre last Friday night.

It is understood many had been drinking and were swearing and shouting.

Inspector Dave Mangan said: "We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"If you are asked to behave by the police but do not, it is an arrestable offence and the minimum fine is £80.

"We want to send a clear New Year message that we will continue to act when people are misbehaving."

Community Safety Officer Marc Brooks who was on foot patrol in the area, said: "Some of them had been drinking and were using foul language."

He asked the group to disperse, which they did, but as this happened it is understood another gang of youths arrived, many of whom had been drinking.

CSO Brooks said: "They were also rowdy and using foul language."

As the incident escalated, other officers arrived on the scene and told the group to leave.

Inspector Mangan said: "When officers got there the kids wouldn’t disperse and were being unruly."

A 17-year-old youth and a three girls aged 13, 14, and 16, all from Hyndburn, were arrested and taken to Greenbank Police Station, Blackburn, where they were held overnight.

Insp Mangan said it was rare for teenagers to be arrested and taken to jail.

He said: "When a person aged 16 or under is arrested a parent or legal guardian is contacted before we can deal with the youngster.

"We did not go into town with the intention of arresting them. We asked them to behave and go home but a few of them didn’t and we were left with no other options."

The teenagers received fixed penalty notices of £80 for their behaviour when they were released the following day.

Police confirmed that a cell one of the youngsters had been held in was vandalised.

A 16-year-old girl has been charged with criminal damage.