SHOCKING video footage has emerged showing the moment a gang of men armed with bats and other weapons launched a vicious street brawl.

The video, which has been circulating on social media, captured the appalling violence which broke out at the junctions of Spa Road and Mayor Street in Halliwell in the early hours of Monday morning.

In the images a group of armed men can be seen crowding around a white van and hitting the vehicle.

Police say it is believed that another group were attempting to take refuge inside the van at the time. However it is not known if they too were armed.

Footage then shows a man attempting to flee from the van before falling to the ground and being struck with weapons by two of the attackers.

After he manages to get away the assailants then turn back on the van with one of the attackers hitting the vehicle’s windscreen and bumper.

Police officers say the exact circumstances of the incident are unclear. However, they added that they are keeping an open mind during their investigations.

Vehicles can been seen driving along both Spa Road and Mayor Street during the video, with the junction also bordering a residential, and police are appealing for eyewitnesses and people with any information or images to come forward.

Sergeant Peter Crowe, from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Town Centre and Great Lever Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Police officers responded reports of a disturbance at 12.30am on Monday 21st October 2019 on Spa Road junction of Mayor Street.”

“As a result of enquiries by officers at the scene one person was arrested on suspicion of assault. They have since been released pending further enquiries.

“I understand that there may be some concern from the community due to the circulation of a video on social media which does appear to show some of the incident. The actions of the persons in this video is a factor which is being investigated and whilst we remain open minded the use of weapons as shown in the video is not something that I would condone. I would always urge people to keep themselves safe and call 999 if they are in fear for themselves or someone else. Officers from the Bolton Neighbourhood team are conducting reassurance patrols in the area.

“I would ask that the community allow the police to investigate this matter and avoid speculation as to the circumstances. Video footage is very useful and I would ask for anyone who is in possession of footage to please make contact with the police via or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”