A WOMAN has been left scarred for life after being struck in the face by a bottle as gangs of rival football hooligans clashed in Bolton.

The innocent by-stander was seriously injured when more than 30 thugs fought a pitched battle in Nelson Square on Saturday night.

Witnesses reported that most of them were Wigan Athletic fans returning from their Division Two Championship-winning game with Huddersfield Town.

But Bolton supporters celebrating their crucial 1-0 win over West Ham were also involved.

Bottles and glasses were thrown at pub windows across the square at 9.30pm, forcing many to shut their doors early.

It is thought that the woman, who was out with her boyfriend and friends, became caught up in the trouble and was hit in the nose by a flying bottle.

She was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary's specialist facial injury unit, where she is recovering today, after staff from the Life Bar rushed out to help her as she lay injured on the pavement.

It is thought that she may need reconstruction surgery for a severe nose injury. Police today described her injuries as "horrendous and extensive". The woman has not been named, but is from Bolton and is in her mid-20s. She was interviewed by detectives yesterday.

The fighting focused around the Spinning Mule pub, Bar Juice and Life Bar. Thugs also fought with bouncers at the Spinning Mule and four of the pub's windows were smashed. A bouncer suffered minor injuries.

A witness said: "It was very scary. Bottles were being thrown across the square and men were fighting in the street. They seemed to be running around, then starting to fight again and charging at each other."

Police sealed off the square. Today they are studying CCTV images of the scene. It is believed that a large number of people witnessed the attack.

Det Insp Andy Aston, of Bolton Police, said: "This was a horrendous assault on an innocent woman who was out socialising with her friends when she became caught up in the trouble. She suffered extensive facial injuries."

Three men were arrested at the scene in connection with the attack. They were questioned and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information should call Astley Bridge police station on 0161 856 5740.