POLICE patrols will be stepped up on Friday night to prevent a repeat of a mass brawl involving 100 youths.

Residents have described the "terrifying" scenes which occurred last Friday in a quiet street in Daisy Hill, when the youngsters congregated for what police believe was a pre-arranged fight.

The brawl, which included girls as well as boys, is thought to have been arranged to settle scores following an earlier fight at Westhoughton High School.

It is thought that news of the planned battle had spread, with youngsters from Westhoughton, Deane, and as far away as Hindley turning up at Hartford Road to join in and watch.

Police say that between 80 and 100 young people took part but residents who witnessed the fight put the figure at 200.

Horwich Cllr John Cronnolley was in Bolton Council's CCTV van with two police officers on an observation operation when trouble flared.

He said: "I'm told the fight began between Westhoughton High School pupils.

"I saw one lad running away with a bloody nose and residents were outside trying to keep them away from their properties.

"We called for back up, the police arrived and the crowd dispersed."

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard an unusual noise, went outside and the neighbours were watching what seemed about 200 kids having a fight. None of us could believe what we were seeing. It was terrifying.

"I didn't see any weapons being used but it was very serious."

Westhoughton police Inspector Simon Miskell said one youth had been arrested for a public order offence.

He said: "We received a number of calls and are investigating the matter.

"There was an arranged fight between a number of youths following a minor fight at Westhoughton High School.

"It was an isolated incident for that area. Most of the youths were there to watch. It was disturbing for residents to see so many of them in their street and we will be out policing the area this weekend."

Westhoughton High School headteacher Ben Loughran said: "We have no details regarding unrest in the community. There was a minor incident earlier in the week, which was outside school hours.

"That involved two students and has been resolved."