YOBS have been ripping stones from a canal wall to break ice on a stretch of a Blackburn water-way.

Police are investigating after damage was caused to the stone wall which runs alongside the canal in Bolton Road.

Police Community Support Officer Michelle Mayer appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

She said that the neighbourhood policing team was making contact with British Waterways, who own the wall, regarding the ongoing problems PCSO Mayer said: "We have had some problems with youngsters damaging a stone wall which runs at the side of a canal in the Infirmary area.

"At half-term the problem became worse due to the canal being frozen and the youths took large stones from the wall to break the ice on the canal.

"To the youths this activity may have seemed like fun, although this was classed as criminal damage due to the wall being demolished piece by piece and thrown into the canal.

"Anyone seen to be damaging the stone wall at the side of the canal will be dealt with appropriately by the police and fixed penalties will be issued when needed.

"I urge people who see any youths damaging the canal wall to report it to the police."

John Milburn, Ewood ward councillor, said: "I am obviously concerned this is going on and will liaise with police.

"It's a dangerous thing for the kids to be doing and I urge them to stop.

"We are doing all we can as councillors and community associations to make sure there are enough activities going on during the school holidays to ensure young people don't get involved in this sort of activity."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.