CHILDREN breaking up for the summer holiday were today warned by police: The motorway is not a playground.'

Every year during the annual break officers are called to dozens of incidents of children risking their lives, and drivers' lives, in pranks on Lancashire's motorways.

Officers said they wanted to issue a stern warning at the start of the holidays in a bid to dissuade children from repeat performances. Police also sent out the message in school bulletins as pupils broke up.

In addition, patrols will be stepped up around motorways.

Sgt Bev Saycell, from the motorway unit, said: "We are still seeing many incidents where children are using the motorway as a playground, putting the lives of themselves, and other road users, in serious danger.

"Children need to be aware that police in Lancashire will not tolerate such acts of mindless vandalism."

Last summer Lancashire officers dealt with 20 motorway incidents, compared to 50 in 2004. Incidents included throwing objects from motorway bridges, and games of "chicken" where children try to run across the three lanes of traffic.

Sgt Saycell added: "Whilst this has reduced significantly over the past couple of years, we are still seeing incidents where children are either throwing objects at motorists, or using the motorway to play dangerous games.

"Missiles thrown from bridges endanger the lives of motorway users, which can result in injuries or even fatalities."