POLICE are appealing for information relating to an incident in which a police car was deliberately smashed into by youths on motorbikes.

The incident took place on Railway Street, Nelson at 8.30pm on Thursday July 18.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Three motorbikes and one quad bike, were driven deliberately into the back of a police car, leaving the back end hanging off.

"Verbal abuse was also hurled at the two PCSOs before the the perpetrators have then driven off from the scene, along Railway Street in the direction of Chapel House Road."

That area of Nelson has been plagued by what councillors are calling 'mindless idiots' on bikes for some time, and Pendle Borough Council councillor, Mohammed Iqbal, said it's about time a zero tolerance attitude was taken.

Cllr Iqbal said: "It's mindless, thoughtless idiots who are riding round our streets at stupid speeds. If anyone knows who these stupid idiots are then they should contact the police immediately. 

"I support the police and adopt a zero tolerance attitude to people like this in society. The police are not there to take such abuse from idiots.

"I know one or two bike riders who are actually quite sensible but if there's any action that can be taken against the ones that aren't sensible, like confiscating their bikes or something, then I will fully support that."

The incident comes not long after a man and a woman were left seriously injured following a crash on Shadsworth Road in Blackburn.

On June 23, a motorbike collided with a black Toyota Yaris, leaving the driver of the bike, and a female passenger suffer serious hip and arm injuries. 

It gave rise to landlady of The Foresters pub on Fecitt Brow, Sandra Kirby, making a call for the installation of a mini-roundabout. 

Cllr Jim Shorrock, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said there had been numerous accidents on that particular stretch, and would support a request for a mini-roundabout or traffic lights to be put in place. 

Enquiries are ongoing to identify the drivers of the bikes in relation to the July 18 incident, and anyone who can help police with their investigation should call 101 quoting log number 1592 of July 18.