POLICE are cracking down on anti-social behaviour following a fight involving 40 teenagers at a McDonald’s in East Lancashire.

Officers have launched a probe into the brawl, which took place in Rawtenstall at around 9.15pm on Friday.

The youngsters involved were aged between 11 and 16. One suffered a cut to the face during the fight at the Haslingden Road restaurant.

In February, police were called out to Rawtenstall McDonald’s three times in one night following reports of teenagers fighting and staff being abused.

Sgt Daniel Gunn, who was on duty during the incident, described the actions of the teenagers as ‘ruinous’. He said: “These teenagers need to be behaving. They are ruining it for the rest of the public. We are speaking with McDonald’s management to look for a longer-term solution.”

A dispersal order was put in place on Saturday evening. Dispersal orders provide police with extra powers to break up groups of two or more people, where they believe their behaviour is causing a nuisance or distress.

It was announced on Rossendale Police’s Facebook page and the post said: “This is granted under Section 34 of the ASB Crime and Policing Act and gives officers the power to require persons to leave a given area.

“Those who refuse to leave or return within the time limits of the authority are liable to immediate arrest and prosecution.”

Ward councillor Steven Hughes described the incident as ‘shocking’. 

Cllr Hughes said: “This highlights an underlying issue for younger people across Rossendale and the country regarding youth services. If we had adequate youth facilities we might see anti-social behaviour reduced.”

No one has been arrested in the latest incident but police have said they continue to investigate the incident. 

A police spokesman added: “Around 40 youths have been fighting in and around McDonald’s Rawtenstall restaurant, on Friday night and as a result one man has been injured.

“Can we remind all parents that they need to know what their children are up to when they leave the house.”

McDonald’s has been contacted for comment. If you have any information about the individuals involved contact the police on 101.