POLICE are hunting a violent gang of robbers who have struck seven times in Bolton.

The incidents have happened in the town centre bus station and across Great Lever over the last week.

Each time the gang has struck, members have used violence against their victim and robbed them of valuables.

Sgt Martin Bell, from Bolton polices robbery unit, said: "The gang have been walking up to people in the street, punching and hitting them and then robbing them.

"The first victims were young people but, since then, an elderly man has been robbed and a prostitute has also been targeted.

"Fortunately, no one has been seriously injured but the victims have been left very shaken. We are concerned that there may be further attacks."

Police are not revealing the details, times and locations of the attacks for operational reasons, but said most of the robberies have happened early in the evening.

Similar descriptions of the group have been given by the victims and detectives believe they could be linked.

They are warning people to be vigilant when walking alone in the areas where the robberies have taken place.

The gang members are Asian and aged between 14 and 15.

Great Lever councillor Prentice Howarth said: "Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that this sort of crime is a problem in every area.

"We have outreach workers in the community working with young people and I have every confidence in the work of the police.

"The Cop Shop, a mobile police unit which rotates around Bolton, is currently located in Rishton Lane, where it will be for the next three months.

"I would encourage anyone who has any information about criminal activity being carried out in this area to use the Cop Shop to communicate intelligence to the police.

"Anything they say will be in complete confidentiality."

Anyone with information about the attacks should also call the robbery unit on 0161 856 5609.