Gangs brawl in village (From Warrington Guardian)

Gangs brawl in village

POLICE have upped their patrols in a village in response to a night of street brawling between rival gangs of youths.

More than 40 youngsters are believed to have battled in Church Road, Rainford on a Friday night, earlier this month. Police suspect gangs of youths from Thatto Heath and local village lads clashed in "pre-arranged fights".

During sporadic outbursts of fighting a 15-year-old boy suffered nasty head injuries. Detectives from St Helens CID are investigating that incident.

In response to the trouble, officers have increased patrols. Names and addresses of youths hanging about in gangs have been taken and police are writing to their parents, while officers patrolling the village met with staff from off-licences and pubs in a bid to prevent youngsters getting served.

Hot spot

Inspector John Vaudrey said: "Rainford is traditionally a hot spot for youth disorder but this incident was over and above anything that has happened in the past.

"This operation is designed to show potential troublemakers that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or allow a minority to intimidate the local community.

"I would ask parents to support us by making sure their children don't become involved in any anti-social activity around the village."