Youths continue with anti-social behaviour in Blackpool despite strong police warnings

The continued problems come after a police officer was left unconscious on Monday evening after being kicked by a 14-year-old boy while he was trying to arrest a 12-year-old boy for damaging a fence while the area was under a dispersal order.

The area around Gorton Street, Milbourne Street and Caunce Street in the town has seen anti-social teens causing problems in the community since April.

Despite the police and Blackpool inspector David Wilson issuing warnings on Wednesday that the youths will be brought in front of the courts if they continue with the anti-social behaviour (ASB), the force were out in the area again on Wednesday evening.

A spokesman for Blackpool Police said: “There continues to be an increased presence of police in the area of Caunce Street tonight as a number of youths still believe it is acceptable to commit ASB despite repeated warnings.

“Action will be taken against those caught committing offences.”

Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Council and a Brunswick councillor where the incidents are happening, said residents deserve better and believes the closure of youth organisations in the resort may have played a part in the anti-social behaviour emerging.

He said: “Any attack upon the Police is an attack on our freedom, and an attack upon the rule of law.

“The residents of this area deserve better, and I am pleased to see that the police have made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to arrest anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, and will put offenders before the Courts.

“Fantastic organisations such as the Blackpool Boys & Girls Club, and St Thomas’s Church, who normally undertake invaluable hands-on youth & community work are unable to do so, due to Covid-19.

“It is telling that when these excellent services aren’t being delivered, trouble soon emerges.”

Insp David Wilson of Blackpool Police said the anti-social problems started in April and have continued to escalate but said a line had been crossed with the police officer being assaulted on Monday.

He added: “There will be a large officer presence in the area for the foreseeable future and mounted officers will be on patrol all of this week.”

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and has since been charged and was remanded to court on Wednesday. He has since been bailed with a curfew.