There were two arrests following a major police operation in Accrington.

The arrests came as part of a high-profile operation at railway stations in Accrington, Blackburn and Darwen.

19-year-old Ian Mullen of York Street, Church was arrested and charged with the possession of an offensive weapon in public and will appear before Hyndburn Magistrates on Friday.

An 18-year-old was also arrested for the possession of an offensive weapon and for possession of a class B drug. He was given an adult caution.

A total of 491 people were checked for weapons using metal detectors as part of the operation in the three towns on Friday night (August 6).

Drugs dogs were used to sniff out anyone bringing drugs into the towns.  There were 43 searches carried out following indications by the dogs.

As a result of these searches, 12 cannabis warnings, one fixed penalty notice and one reprimand were given for drugs offences.

After 6pm the operation continued with officers moving from the railway stations into the town centres with the drugs dogs. A further 19 people were stopped, resulting in eight searches and the two arrests in Accrington.

Inspector Andy Winter said: "This large scale operation focused on public transport networks across Eastern Division and helps demonstrate that we are committed to making our towns even safer for people to work, live and visit.

"Those people who try to come to our towns armed with any weapon need to think again. Your behaviour will not be tolerated and you will be caught and prosecuted".

Manager of the Safer Travel Unit, Rick Wilson, added: "Public transport users tell us that operations of this nature make them feel reassured and safer when making journeys."

Inspector Mike Wedderburn, of British Transport Police, said that he wanted people to feel safe and secure when using trains and stations in Lancashire.

He said: "This operation is just one way in which we can show that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The message to anyone carrying weapons or drugs is clear - you will be caught and robustly dealt with."