POLICE have vowed to act against teenage drinkers after reports of gangs of up to 100 youths terrorising people in Westhoughton.

The under-age drinkers, girls as well as boys, gather in Central Park and other parts of the town for late night binges.

One man was attacked by a large gang who used empty bottles to beat him to the ground in the park. There are understood to have been a number of other after dark attacks in recent weeks.

Westhoughton police sergeant Ray Jackson said officers would take a "firm approach" to tackle under-age drinking. But he said incidents could only be investigated if people reported them.

He added: "We are concerned that under-age youths are able to purchase alcohol in Westhoughton. Some of them even buy it during the week and keep it hidden until weekend. Incidents have been thoroughly investigated, but people do need to come forward and tell us what is happening. If people are experiencing problems they should contact the police."

Town councillors have also urged police to crack down on under-age drinking and on other problems faced by the town.

Council leader David Wilkinson said: "Gangs of between 20 and 100 youths gather in Westhoughton at night and many of them drink. We will be calling for a meeting with senior police officers to discuss this and other issues. We will also be asking people to write to us about their concerns."

Incidents can be reported to the police on 0161 872 5050, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.