TEN children were taken to safety as part of a night-time operation to keep young people safe in Burnley.

Among those taken to safety were three 16-year-old boys found in possession of alcohol, who had lied to their parents about where they were staying that night.

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They were on their way to a party house where they intended to sleep the night.

Officers also seized 16 litres of spirits, beer and cider during the operation, which took place between 6.30pm and 1am on a Friday.

The CANSafe operation involves police, Lancashire County Council trading standards, Burnley Community Safety Partnership, Burnley Children’s Social Care and Early Break.

Chief Inspector Justin Srivastava said: “It is our collective multi-agency responsibility to identify those young people and children at risk in order to protect them and safeguard them from further harm.

“Young people who consume alcohol or take drugs increase the risk that they put themselves in.

“They could become a victim or perpetrator in crime or anti-social behaviour.

“This operation aims to identify those young people before this happens.”

County Coun Janice Hanson, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for public protection, said: "Safeguarding children is a complex and challenging area of work, which is why it's so important that we bring together organisations including the police, trading standards and public health.

"CANSafe protects young people and supports parents and carers to spot the signs they need to look out for.

“It also gives advice on what action they need to take, when they have concerns about alcohol misuse or other vulnerabilities.

“It is one of a number of very worthwhile projects under the umbrella of the Community Alcohol Network which seeks to prevent harm caused by alcohol."”

Anyone with information or concerns about underage drinking or anti-social behaviour can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.