BOTTLES were thrown at police officers as a small group of revellers -- including known soccer hooligans -- marred the World Cup celebrations in Bolton town centre.

Several shop and office windows were smashed and police reported several outbreaks of violence with drunken youths.

And, reflecting on the violence which followed England's victory, a senior police officer today warned that the relaxing of the licensing regulations for future matches during the World Cup may now be reviewed.

The scenes in Bolton were repeated in other towns in Greater Manchester and throughout the country as a mixture of the celebratory mood, alcohol and warm weather resulted in violence.

Police chiefs in Bolton say the vast majority of the revellers who took to the streets after England's 1-0 victory over Argentina were well behaved, but a group of up to 50 hooligans were intent on trouble.

Bradshawgate -- where the celebrations were initially joyful -- was sealed off as up to 500 revellers spilled out onto the street at the final whistle.

But, as the mood became more menacing and bottles thrown, the area quickly became a "no go" zone for shoppers and office workers returning to work.

In one terrifying incident a woman motorist was trapped in her car, with her three-year-old daughter, as up to a dozen thugs jumped up and down on the vehicle's bonnet and roof.

Extra police officers were drafted into the scene together with additional dog handlers.

Chief Insp Alan Greene, who was in charge of the police operation, said: "The vast majority of the fans were well behaved but, as usual in these situations, a small group of troublemakers were intent on causing problems. They included several known football hooligans."

The mood had changed from earlier yesterday lunchtime when jubilant fans packed Bolton's pubs and bars to watch the crucial soccer clash.

Before the match, banks and shops were full, but, as kick off approached people disappeared into the pubs or returned to work to watch televisions in their offices or factories.

Even calls to the emergency services drastically fell. Calls to Greater Manchester Police fell by around 40 per cent from 423 to 260 calls between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

But as the final whistle blew celebrations spilled out onto the streets.

Fans chanted England songs and waved flags. Within minutes Bradshawgate was swamped with fans. Some of the revellers climbed traffic lights and drainpipes of nearby shops.

Shopkeepers were forced to put their shutters down as shoppers ran for cover, while others staged an impromptu game of football, blocking access to buses and cars.

One woman caught up in the scenes, was trapped in her car on Bradshawgate with her young daughter. Karen Johnson and three-year-old Lauren were travelling home from a shopping trip in their Citroen AX car when crowds of fans began spilling out of a pub on Bradshawgate.

Karen, of Tonge Fold, said: "It was terrifying. They draped England flags over cars in front to slow down the drivers. They let them go.

"But they started rocking my car backwards and forwards. Then they started jumping on the bonnet and smashed in the sunroof. My daughter was screaming in the back seat and was covered in glass. We both had cuts but I think they let us go when they realised that there was a terrified young girl in the car."

As police officers wearing riot gear arrived more bottles and beer glasses were thrown. Local pubs were closed. The police initially monitored the situation and a video camera was used to film the ringleaders before officers moved in to disperse the crowds. Bradshawgate was left littered with glass but no injuries were reported.

Chief Insp Greene described the behaviour of the drunken troublemakers as "unacceptable." He added: "Behaviour of this sort is totally unacceptable to law abiding people in Bolton. It will not be tolerated."

Two known troublemakers were arrested and face being banned from watching any soccer matches next season.