Bosses of a popular teen event have vowed to step up security after a man was beaten by a gang of youths.

The Heventeen under-18s Valentine's event was being held at the Park Nightclub at Park Hall, Charnock Richard, when the man was attacked outside the venue after being chased through the grounds.

Police were called to the complex at 10.41pm after reports of an assault.

A police spokesperson said: "The man, believed to be a security guard, was chased through the car park and gym areas of Park Hall by around 10 to 15 male youths. He was then punched to the ground and violently set upon."

The man was taken to Chorley Hospital with a suspected broken nose and bruising. Police investigations are continuing and CCTV images from the evening are being viewed.

One mother of a 14-year-old boy from Chorley, who attended the event, last week, said: "He came back and said gangs of lads were trying to get in from out of the area and he saw some fighting. I won't be letting him attend again."

Mark Bowden, promoter of Heventeen, said the man who was attacked was not one of his staff.

He added: "I think this incident was caused by older teenagers coming in cars to cause trouble. We have now decided to vet all vehicles entering the compound on the night of the events to check that they are valid members."

"The event is extremely popular in Chorley and throughout the region and we take security issues very seriously.

"The safety of the youngsters is extremely important which is why we have photographic membership and rigorous security checks.

"We have a strict code of conduct which admits only 14-17-year-olds.

"All clubbers must be members and organisers hold their names and addresses on record."

A Park Nightclub spokesperson said: "Heventeen is a regular under 18s night held by a private promoter at the Park Nightclub.

"On February 14 the police attended the club after hours due to an incident involving youths who had not attended the evening's events.

"Heventeen is incredibly popular and is well attended by local teenagers. The club and the promoter work with the local police to ensure that it is trouble-free and provides a safe, fun environment for everyone involved."