Crackdown on louts in Royton and Shaw

Royton precinct - gangs of youths congregate

POLICE say it’s only a matter of time before gangs of youths throwing stones at passing cars cause a serious injury.

Officers have urged parents to ensure they know what their children are doing out at night after more than three weeks of trouble caused by youngsters in Shaw and Royton.

They have warned the culprits their anti-social behaviour will have “serious consequences”.

The gang members, aged 12-17, have gathered in Royton precinct and the old market ground in Shaw in the evenings, intimidating passers-by and throwing bricks and eggs at taxis and other vehicles.

PC Adam Murphy, beat manager for Royton and Shaw, said the youths are coming from outside the area.

He said: “They’re drinking and using drugs; that’s when they cause a problem. Many of them don’t live in Royton and Shaw.

“We’re stepping up patrols the area. We’re asking parents to speak to their children because their actions will have consequences. There will be no letters home or officers speaking to parents first: this will go straight through the criminal procedure.

“They will ruin their own lives by getting arrested and getting a criminal record. It’s only a matter of time before somebody gets killed or injured - or before a motorist grabs them and does something daft.

“We don’t want to be visiting parents and saying their child has been beaten after doing this.”