Groups of children in Bolton are meeting up after school and fighting in public with knives and baseball bats, according to local leaders. A letter circulated by the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) states that police are aware of the incidents, which have reportedly started in the 'last few weeks'.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) believe that the fights are 'pre-planned', the letter says, and extra officers have been deployed to the Lever Edge and Higher Swan Lane areas to try and tackle the issue. In the letter, BCoM also said that 'extremely disturbing' videos of incidents have been shared on social media.
BCoM chairman Asif Patel wrote: "It is with regret we have to send this message out. You may have seen on social media over the last few weeks, students from some schools in Bolton have been involved in attacking each other after school, with the most recent attacks taking place on public parks.
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"We are informed by GMP these incidents are getting pre-planned and the consequences of such violence can have a huge impact on families and communities. Sadly these youths are armed with baseball bats, knives and the situation seems to be going from bad to worse.
"The consequences of such violence where weapons are used can have serious consequences and in some cases a loss of life, where families suffer. GMP have already deployed extra officers and arrested some youths who may be involved.
"All schools have been made aware of the situation and are monitoring the situation. There are videos an social media and the scenes are extremely disturbing. GMP have requested for everyone to be alert and any concerns should be reported to GMP."
Manchester Evening News contacted GMP for more information about arrests but at the time of writing, the force is yet to respond. An 'important message for parents' has also been circulated on WhatsApp and social media, suggesting that some of the pupils in question attend Essa Academy and King's Leadership Academy.
Essa's principal Martin Knowles condemned the 'poor behaviour' of a 'small group of youths' and told the Manchester Evening News that GMP, Bolton Council, schools, and other local groups are all working together on the problem. He said: "We are aware of a small group of youths from several schools who are displaying poor behaviour in the local area. The police, Bolton Council, schools, local community groups and volunteer agencies are working in partnership to address these matters.
"Any anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and together we have every confidence these young people, through intervention, will quickly change their ways."
King's Leadership Academy was also contacted for comment but they had not responded by the deadline given.
