POLICE in Pennine Division are appealing for information about a trail of vandalism and thefts in Barnoldswick, which they believe are connected.

Sergeant Chris Saville, of Barnoldswick Police, said: "Three youths were seen acting suspiciously and were chased briefly but made off on bicycles which we later discovered were stolen from a shed in Avon Drive.

"We believe the same youths were linked to other incidents during the same night. We are treating it very seriously."

The thefts began when the three bicycles were stolen on Thursday evening, and were followed by four separate incidents of stealing from cars in Skipton Road, Pickard Close and Eastwood Street.

A bus shelter in Skipton Road was also damaged.

The youths are described as tall, aged 16 or 17, of medium build, and were wearing dark clothing and woolly hats.

Anyone with information can call Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.