A POLICE officer chased seven masked thugs who attempted to rob him on his doorstep, a judge was told.

PC Michael Doyle, a community beat bobby, chased after the gang and gave a running commentary to colleagues on his police radio before most of the thugs were cornered in an alleyway.

Mr Ian Metcalfe, prosecuting, told Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester that PC Doyle was watching TV at his home in the Salford area when there was a knock at the door.

Three youths were on the doorstep and four stood by the gate. They were covering their faces with shirt tops or with hoods.

One of the youths demanded the keys to PC Doyle's car. When he shut the door to call for help, another youth kicked the door in.

They saw him using his radio and fled, but were arrested nearby. Another youth was arrested two days later.

Gareth Hughes, aged 19, of Barton Hall Avenue, Eccles, and a 17-year-old youth pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and were sentenced to 18 months youth custody.

Another 17-year-old youth, from Eccles, was sentenced to 12 months detention after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.

Darren Walke, aged 19, of Walker Road, Eccles, and a 17-year-old youth, admitted affray and were each ordered to complete 120 hours community service.

A 15-year-old boy was made subject of a three month "action plan" order after admitting affray.

Passing sentence, Mr Recorder David Boulton, said: "This officer must have been in a great deal of distress and anxiety.

"Each of you disguised yourselves and that must have been frightening to anybody faced with a group of men who were extremely drunk."