RESIDENTS are calling for action to tackle increasing violence in Atherton and Tyldesley.

Their calls come after a weekend of incidents involving gangs of youths possessing weapons and causing anti-social behaviour.

Police arrested two teenagers in Shuttle Street, Tyldesley, for possession of a knuckle duster and a metal bar.

One, a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody and bailed until November 18.

A section 35 dispersal order – giving police powers to ban youths from an area for 48 hours – was implemented on Sunday until 7am on Monday.

PC Morgan, who covers Tyldesley, posted on Facebook on Sunday evening: “I would like to re-assure the community we have been very vigilant this weekend and today in particular in relation to the issues with gangs around the Tyldesley area."

It is understood that a teenager was attacked in Douglas Park in Atherton on Sunday evening, another girl was threatened with a knife, and a teenage boy assaulted. One mother said her six-year-old son’s jumper was set alight by a child in the park although police have not confirmed the attacks.

Parents on Facebook have spoken of two groups — TPM known as the Tyldesley Park Mafia and a group from Walkden — who seem to be causing an on-going nuisance.

Helen Roach, a concerned parent from Atherton, said: “It's shocking, it wasn't like this when I was at school. I am worried for my children's future. I was scared taking my three and seven-year-old children out trick or treating on Saturday”.

A spokesperson for McDonalds in Tyldesley Road said there has been an ongoing problem with youths gathering inside and outside the restaurant.

Cllr Stephen Hellier, vice chairman of Wigan Planning Committee, said: “I have made enquiries into reports of alleged violence involving young people in Tyldesley at the weekend. I understand that approximately ten teenagers were involved in a scuffle outside McDonalds in Tyldesley Road, which resulted in two people being arrested.

"The advice to parents, who, understandably, will be worried about their youngsters going out, is to know who they are with and where they are going."