Police and Westhoughton High School staff called to remove youths

The youngsters had to be removed from the 4G football pitch in Westhoughton on Wednesday March 18 by police and staff from the nearby Westhoughton High School.

According to a Facebook post from Westhoughton High, some of the people were their pupils, though many came from other schools in the area.

Cllr David Wilkinson said: “It can be intimidating when you have a group of boisterous, testosterone-fuelled young lads.

“But it is just boisterousness – they weren’t doing anything criminal.”

Cllr David Wilkinson at Westhoughton Town Hall (Image: Public)

Cllr Wilkinson was in Westhoughton Town Centre around the same time as the incident on the 4G field – the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office.

He said there was also a large number of youths where he was, some of whom were ‘pushing and shoving’, but again stated it was nothing serious.

The Westhoughton High School Post said staff supported police in moving a large group of children from the 4G pitch who were involved in anti-social behaviour / water fights in the community.

It added: “Some of these were our own learners, though a significant number were from other schools. Parents please support us by ensuring you know where your children are and what they are doing as the lighter nights come. The police and school staff should not have to endure verbal abuse and refusal to follow reasonable instructions from younger members of our school community.”