POLICE escorted a drunk teenage girl home as they enforced a dispersal order in Westhoughton following concerns of gangs of young people behaving violently after a 17-year-old was stabbed.

The dispersal order which gives police the power to force people to leave the area and not to return, was in place between 6pm Friday until 4am on Sunday

Officers carried out regular patrols around Westhoughton ­— particular in the town centre ­— to provide high visibility reassurance.

Neighbourhood beat officers, along with colleagues from GMP's Special Constabulary and outreach workers from Bolton Council, spoke to young people explaining to them how a dispersal order works.

Read more: Groups of youths banned from Westhoughton after stabbing

Chief Inspector Mike Russell, from GMP's Bolton district, said: “From the feedback we've been given, the weekend's dispersal order was well received by residents, who believe it had a positive effect.

"Overall the dispersal order was well respected, which is incredibly pleasing. However, if we receive intelligence which suggests further incidents are taking place; we won't hesitate to implement dispersal orders again.

"Dispersal orders are just one part of our overarching response to support the community; we will soon be announcing the launch of a dedicated operation to help tackle anti-social behaviour across Bolton.

"We are committed to tackling issues which are important to our communities, and we will continue to target any groups that are involved in this type of behaviour which is causing distress and upset.

“I would encourage parents and carers to play their part by remaining aware of their children’s whereabouts and knowing who they are out with.

"Finally, I would once again like to thank the residents of Westhoughton for their continued support."

A spokesperson for GMP Bolton West posted on Facebook on Saturday: "Officers from the Bolton West Neighbourhood Team with support from our Special Constables were out and about in the Westhoughton area in response to recent anti-social behaviour in the area. Officers also met with Mariam and Becki from Bolton Councils Play & Youth Team. Apart from an intoxicated 13yr old girl who was taken home there were no issues."