CUSTOMERS and bouncers ran for their lives as a stolen Jeep was driven through the main doors of a Bolton nightclub.

The 4x4 vehicle was then reversed towards the doormen on the concourse outside Atlantis.

A 24-year-old bouncer managed to escape by jumping over the bonnet of the Jeep, narrowly avoiding being pinned against a wall as it was reversed towards him.

He escaped with minor injuries.

Some of the customers in the 20-strong crowd outside the club at the time pelted the vehicle with bricks and bottles.

One of the people inside the Jeep nearly fell out as it raced away from the scene at high speed.

And today, as detectives investigated the incident, an eye witness said: "It was incredible that no one was killed.

"It looked as if the driver was intent on causing as much mayhem and injuries as possible.

"The vehicle was driven directly at the club, smashing through the bollards outside, at up to 40 mph.

"Everyone outside ran for their lives and then pelted the vehicle with anything they could get hold of."

The incident, at 2.15am yesterday, happened shortly after a group of youths were ejected from the nightclub off Waters Meeting Road in the Valley.

Police believe the Jeep involved was stolen from the car park of the club itself.

Shortly after the club closed for the night -- with a crowd of 20 or so customers and bouncers on the concourse outside -- the vehicle suddenly revved at high speed across the car park, before crossing the road outside, crashing through the concrete security bollards and smashing into the entrance, sending one metal door crashing into the club itself.

Eye witnesses said the vehicle then appeared to be reversed directly at the bouncers on several occasions.

The Jeep was later discovered abandoned and on fire in Victory Road, Little Lever.

Detectives said they are investigating an incident at the club involving violence, and confirmed that a short time later a Jeep had been driven at the front doors of the club.

A spokesman added that one victim had suffered bruising.

One man is helping police with their inquiries into an incident which had happened earlier in the club.