A MEMBER of staff at Blackburn Youth Zone has been suspended after a man was allegedly "physically and verbally attacked" at an indoor football centre.

Powerzone Soccerdome in Blackburn has now banned all representatives of Blackburn Youth Zone following the alleged attack on its assistant manager.

Police were called to the incident in the reception area of the building in Haslingden Road, where it is alleged a 24-year-old man was punched a number of times by more than one individual.

Police said nobody has been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened at 6.45pm on February 12.

Senior management at Blackburn Youth Zone confirmed that a member of staff has been suspended on full pay pending the outcome of an investigation and said they "don’t tolerate or condone any form of violence".

Chris Chamberlain, youth worker manager at Blackburn Youth Zone, said: “We take this matter extremely seriously.

“This kind of alleged incident is unacceptable.

“A member of staff has been suspended on full pay pending the results of an investigation.

“Some young people are part of the investigation.

“We are trying to establish who was involved and who was an innocent bystander.

“We will continue to work with any youngster who is found to have acted inappropriately but that will take place away from the Youth Zone building.”

Mr Chamberlain said it was the first time they had had any incident of this nature and management were working with youngsters who attend the centre to promote positive behaviour in the community.

Blackburn Youth Zone has had an under-15s and an under-16s team registered at the Soccerdome for the past 12 months, but bosses there said they are no longer welcome.

Stuart Ewen, Powerleague operations director, said: “Further to an incident in which our assistant manager was both verbally and physically attacked, we have banned Blackburn Youth Zone from the Blackburn Powerleague branch.

“Unacceptable behaviour, whether that be by players, spectators or parents, will not be tolerated.

“We hope this gives a clear message that respect both on and off the pitch is essential in football.

“I urge anyone who witnessed the incident to please contact Blackburn police.”

A police spokesman said: “Police were called around 6.45pm on Friday, February 12, to the Powerzone Soccerdome in Haslingden Road, Blackburn, after an allegation of assault.

“Officers attended and following reports of an altercation following a match, a 24-year-old man was allegedly punched."

“Investigations are continuing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.