Violence in Westhoughton after the clash between Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic last weekend is now being treated as a "major incident".

The police were called to Market Street at 4.30pm on Saturday, two hours after the end of the match at the Toughsheet Stadium.

On arrival a man was taken to hospital with injuries which were not life-changing or life-threatening. He was a bystander according to an account by a councillor for the area.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, then bailed, and a dispersal order was actioned to ensure those involved could not return to the town for 48 hours.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has labelled what happened a "major incident" and the Bolton division of the force has set up a major incident public portal for anyone with information to share it with the investigation.

Superintendent Danny O'Neill, of GMP Bolton, said: "This level of violence and disorder will not be tolerated and we are determined to locate those involved so they can be dealt with appropriately.

"Officers’ body worn footage is being reviewed but we are also appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information, photos or footage of the incident. 

"If the violence is linked to the Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic game, we will be seeking banning orders on those identified, as well as prosecuting them."

Cllr David Wilkinson, a Lib Dem representative for Westhoughton South, said: "They are not human beings, they are not just people having a fight, they are scum.

“They brought terror to the streets, to men, women and children and we cannot have this kind of behaviour in Westhoughton."

Cllr David Chadwick, a Labour Group representative for Westhoughton South, said: "The serious disorder on Market Street after Saturday’s match between Wanderers and Wigan has no place in our communities.

“I want to thank Greater Manchester Police for their efforts on the day."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or the Major Incident Public Portal (mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23K23-PO1).

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.