A DISPERSAL order will be enforced in Westhoughton this weekend following concerns of anti-social behaviour in the area after a 17-year-old was stabbed.

Officers were called to Church Street on Friday at around 9.15pm to reports of a disturbance and a large group of people fighting.

Two 17-year-old boys had been assaulted by a group of around six people. One of them managed to flee the scene but the second was attacked and stabbed.

He was taken to hospital on Friday on serious but not life-threatening injuries.

A 13-year-old and a 15-year-old were arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Mike Russell of GMP's Bolton District said: "A dispersal order has been put in place in Westhoughton in response to community and police concerns about young people congregating and behaving in a disorderly and violent manner in the area.

"On Friday February 19, a large scale disturbance took place in Westhoughton, which resulted in a 17-year-old man being stabbed.

"The dispersal order will be in place between 6pm on Friday February 26 until 4am on Sunday February 28, and gives officers the powers to ask anyone to leave the area and not return.

"Extra officers will be patrolling the area over the weekend and will explain how the dispersal order works to anybody they come into contact with. We would also like to encourage parents and carers to play their part by remaining aware of their children's whereabouts and knowing who they are out with.

"We understand anti-social and violent behaviour has a significant impact on the lives of our residents and we will continue to target any groups causing misery within our community.

"Not only are those types of incidents upsetting and distressing the wider community, they are also showing a total disregard of the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the majority of law-abiding residents for their continued support."