POLICE have stepped up patrols in Little Lever after dozens of teenagers descended on the village after learning about a fight between two youths on social media.

Police were called last Monday and have warned that action will be taken against any young person found committing a criminal or public order offence.

Boys and girls, aged 15 and 16, congregated in the village at about 8pm, with residents reporting youths in the areas of Church Road, Ladyshore Road and Kershaw Avenue.

Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure local residents — but stressed the incident is believed to be a fight between two boys and not linked to gangs.

Insp David Henthorne said: “It would seem a fight had been arranged between two teenagers and, through social media, many teenagers had come to watch.

“We have received reports of an assault on a 14-year-old boy which is being investigated.

“One juvenile, aged 14, has been arrested on suspicion of carrying a martial arts weapon.”

He added: “We will be making follow-up visits to the homes of every teenager who was stopped.

“Patrols have been stepped up to reassure residents and the incident is being fully investigated.

“We will be studying footage and positive action will be taken against anybody that is found to have committed a criminal offence or public disorder.”

Cllr Sean Hornby said: “The inspector and I have arranged to meet this week.

“I feel reassured that the police are determined to get to the bottom of this and will be speaking to the parents of the children.”

Residents also took to social media to report the disturbances.

One said on Facebook: "Loads of teenagers on Church Street. I wondered what was going on, three police cars in attendance."

Another added: "I saw them outside Little Lever School. Police were chasing them."