PUBS in Bury town centre were forced to close after England's World Cup victory over Denmark on Saturday (June 15) when celebrations turned violent.

The Clarence in Silver Street and Yates's Wine Lodge in Market Street closed their doors temporarily following sporadic outbreaks of violence and criminal damage.

One man was assaulted in Yates's while another was arrested outside after smashing the windscreen of a passing bus.

At the Clarence, a window was smashed and door was ripped off its hinges at the height of Saturday afternoon's trouble.

Fighting among England fans broke out in Kay Gardens and at the Showboat pub in Clerke Street but those involved had dispersed before police arrived or were able to take action.

One eyewitness told the Bury Times: "It was pure mayhem in the town centre. The fighting broke out over arguments between rival Premiership club supporters.

"Lots of people had a seriously good drinking session and were walking around the town centre singing and shouting and brawling. A number of pubs were certainly no-go areas for a while."

Mr Andy Milligan, landlord of the Clarence, said he decided to close for an hour at 6pm in order to calm down the jubilant England fans.

He added: "A certain amount of damage was caused to the pub and there was a small minority of drinkers who were intent on intimidating customers and spoiling their day.

"I felt closing for an hour would allow my staff to clean up and help calm growing tensions."

Bosses at the Y2K Wine Bar in Silver Street and the Robert Peel in Market Chambers said they were not affected by any trouble.

England now face Brazil on Friday morning (June 21) and most pubs throughout the borough will be screening the 7.30am match.

Extra door staff will be brought in on Friday afternoon and police will be ready to pounce should any trouble occur after the match.

PC John Flowers of Bury's Operational Police Unit, said that a number of pubs alerted the police to incidents but there were no serious problems.

He said: "I hope that people enjoy Friday's match and take control of their tempers and actions.

"People will be able to drink earlier than normal. Drunken behaviour will not be tolerated."