BOOZING children as young as 12 were taken off the streets of Burnley and Padiham during a police operation.

Eighteen teenagers, aged between 12 and 16, were found roaming the streets and parks in a drunken state.

They were taken to the Sure Start Centre, in Tay Street, where they were seen by health workers and social services, before their parents were called to collect them.

Sgt Claire Pearson, from the Burnley Community Safety Part-nership, said that youngsters were putting themselves and others at risk by getting drunk.

She said: “The vast majority of our local young people are sensible and law abiding and it’s really important not to forget that.

“However, there is a small minority of youths who purposely go out and drink to excess and that is something that we’re not prepared to tolerate because they are putting themselves and others at risk.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Staysafe, is run in the borough several times a year.

As well as taking in the 18 teenagers, officers also spoke to over 100 youths in the area to warn them about excess boozing.

The latest operation last Friday also saw six teenagers given fixed penalty notices for disorder after damaging property.

After being given a drink of water and allowed to ‘dry out’ at the centre, the youths are spoken to by social services.

As well as protecting their own safety the operation also helps with reducing anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Pearson said: “I hope the weekend’s operation has sent a clear message to young people.”