ALCOHOL fuelled violence marred Good Friday celebrations in Bury.

Five people were injured when a number of drunken yobs were involved in running street battles in the town centre during the late evening.

One victim suffered an injury to his ear, another suffered a possible dislocated shoulder, a third man received a cut to his head, and another is believed to have suffered a broken nose and hand. The fifth victim was knocked unconscious and taken to Fairfield General Hospital for treatment.

None of the injuries were said to be life-threatening.

Revellers were forced to remain in pubs in Market Street and Silver Street while police quelled the violence and arrested two men, aged 18 and 19 in connection with the fighting. They made a brief appearance before Bury Magistrates Court on Monday charged with violent disorder.

Police said the town centre was as busy as any New Year's Eve as thousands of people poured into local pubs to celebrate the Easter holiday weekend.

However, Good Friday passed off peacefully in Holcombe Brook where police staged a massive security operation to enforce new regulations banning people drinking alcohol in the street.

The Hare and Hounds, which normally acts as a magnet for thousands of revellers throughout Good Friday, enjoyed a more subdued day as many of the expected drinkers stayed away.

In previous years, customers have spilled over from the car park into the road and gathered on Pot Green, leading to crimes being committed.

Inspector Steve Clark, head of Ramsbottom Police, praised the public for their support during this year's celebrations.

He said: "Our main aim was to enforce the street drinking laws and protect the area and residents from potential public order offenders. That was achieved with no arrests made throughout the day.

"Thousands of people were expected but many have taken heed of warnings in the Bury Times and stayed away. We only had to confiscate about 60 cans or bottles of alcohol.

"The atmosphere among those who turned out was upbeat and we received great support from all sections of the community."