DETECTIVES are following a number of positive leads in their investigation into a number of violent assaults in Bury town centre on Good Friday night.

Five men were injured when fighting broke out in Silver Street. One suffered an injury to his ear, another suffered a possible dislocated shoulder, the third victim received a cut to his head, another is believed to have suffered a broken nose and hand, and one was knocked unconscious and taken to Fairfield General Hospital for treatment.

Two men, aged 19 and 20, both from Bury, were arrested on the night and appeared before the local magistrates court yesterday charged with violent disorder. But the hunt for those responsible for carrying out the assaults, is continuing.

Detective Inspector Simon Collier, from Bury CID, said: "A large number of witnesses have been interviewed and CCTV footage has been obtained.

"We have been given a few names of suspects in relation to the assaults and we are following these up."

Revellers were forced to remain in pubs in Market Street and Silver Street by the police while officers quelled the violence.