Police are urging parent to ensure they know where their children are after five youths were arrested by officers in the town centre yesterday.

Officers said the arrests were in relation to abusive behaviour towards security staff and members of the public.

The young people were picked up as town centre and Great Lever Neighbourhood officers were patrolling Market Place and Bolton Interchange.

A police spokesman said: "A number of young people thought that it was acceptable to be abusive towards security staff and members of the public.

"Five individuals have been arrested in relation to these incidents and enquiries are ongoing. This behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

"Parents, please ensure you know where your children are and what they are up to."

Police have been carrying out patrols in the town centre to tackle anti-social behaviour, particularly on public transport.

Read more: Operation begins at Bolton Interchange

Read more: One arrested at Bolton Interchange

Read more: Patrols stepped up at Bolton Interchange over festive period

The Greater Manchester Travel Safe operation has been ongoing to tackle crime in the area since April last year.

The operation is partnership between Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police.

Over the Christmas period police spoke to 12,000 members of the public and Metrolink staff issued 600 fines to passengers who failed to produce a ticket.

They also stopped and searched 18 people and made seven arrests for a range of offences including possession of drugs and weapons, aggressive begins and being drunk and disorderly.