'Abusive, intimidating' gangs of youngsters - some of whom are as young as TWELVE - are attacking staff and causing chaos in town centre

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after police were called out to deal with a group of 'intimidating, abusive' youngsters - some as young as 12 - who have been attacking passers-by.

Officers from GMP’s Leigh, Atherton & Hindley district reported on Friday (August 20) that there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour involving groups of young people during the evenings.

The behaviour has mostly occurred near to and around Leigh town centre and has involved abusing and assaulting staff at Leigh Bus Station and local businesses.

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The group is said to have intimidated members of the public while there has also been a series of criminal damage done in the town centre.

GMP said a number of the people - who are believed to be aged from 12 years old upwards - have also been climbing on the roofs of several buildings.

A spokesperson for GMP Leigh said: “There's been an increase in anti-social behaviour involving large groups of young people in Leigh town centre each evening.

A large group of young people have been climbing on the roofs of several buildings and putting themselves at risk (GMP)

“Their behaviour has included abusing and assaulting staff from Leigh Bus Station and other local businesses, committing criminal damage and intimidating members of the public using the town centre.

“Worryingly, they've also been climbing on to the roof of several buildings and putting themselves at risk as a fall from that height would be likely to prove fatal.

“We're increasing our patrols in the town centre and, along with using CCTV footage, we're in the process of identifying many of those responsible. Most are from Leigh and Atherton and aged 12 upwards.”

A 16-year-old boy was arrested earlier this week in connection to the anti-social behaviour.

Wigan police have asked parents to 'ensure they know where their children are' (GMP)

GMP added: “In conjunction with Wigan Council we will be taking further action against the other young people involved in this behaviour as we continue to identify them from the footage we already have.

“Please ensure that you know where your children are and that they're not putting themselves at risk climbing buildings.

“We absolutely do not want to be visiting parents in tragic circumstances.”

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