BRAWLING yobs forced a town centre fast food restaurant to lock its doors following the Christmas lights switch-on in Bolton.

Frightened families fleeing the violence were offered sanctuary by McDonalds' staff.

Police advised managers of the outlet to lock their doors for the safety of staff and customers.

Leah Elcock who took her seven-year-old son Kia to see the lights switch-on, said: "It was frightening. My son was terrified."

She added: "From the actual switch-on we felt uncomfortable by the behaviour of hundreds of teenagers who had gathered. I was really worried.

"It was a very unpleasant atmosphere. Teenagers were swearing. It should have been a special occasion for families but it was ruined by unruly teenagers.

"I won't be taking my son to this event next year.

"Something has to be done otherwise families will stop coming to the Christmas lights switch-on."

Manager of McDonalds, Clair Martindale, said: "We locked the doors but allowed families to come inside away from what was happening.

"There were hundreds of teenagers and we were advised by police to close for the night."

l Two 14-year-olds have been charged with public order offences following the incident.