BOSSES at a Blackburn tapas bar and pub are counting the cost of damage when vandals broke a window of their business – just hours after they enjoyed a successful opening night.

Staff at Roberto’s Bistro and Bar on Richmond Chambers left the business in the early hours of Sunday ­– but returned in the morning to find the front door window had been smashed.

A spokesman said: “It is sickening as it had been a good night and we were visited by the police and council to see what we were doing and they were happy.

“It is such a shame as it was the perfect night and we had been working for three weeks to get ready and then some idiots do this.”

Josh Blayne Allen, who runs the White Bull in Oswaldtwistle said: “Customers were fantastic and once it was explained what had to be done for signing in and ordering from their tables, everyone got on board immediately with hardly any issues.

“Overall a fantastic night and good to be back open seeing our regulars and many new faces as well and a massive thank you to all those who came for a visit.”

Duty Inspector Andrew Gore from Blackburn with Darwen Police said it was a busy night in Blackburn but was manageable for officers.

He said: “There were people queuing outside public houses in the town centre and spirits were good but no reports of crime scenes. It was a success for the pubs and the majority of people were abiding by social distancing rules and following the guidance by the Government.”

Burnley and Padiham Police posted on social media to say it had been a busy night with extra patrols covering pubs.

They said three drink drivers were arrested and also reported one burglary.

They said: "Three drink drivers have been arrested and residents from an address in Haslingden have caught a male in the process of burgling an address and detained him. Police arrived and arrested him."