Teenager arrested over large scale damage to brewery

The arrests were made as part of a pre-planned operation which saw officers carry out dawn raids at an address in Leverhulme, Bolton.

A 16-year-old lad from Leigh was also arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They are all currently in custody.

Assistant Chief Constable Jo Edwards said: “The incidents at Thwaites over the Bank Holiday week-end understandably caused a huge amount of upset and anger in the local community and we recognise that.

"The arrests were made as part of a pre-planned operation which saw officers carry out dawn raids at an address in Leverhulme, Bolton.

“We have had a dedicated team of officers working hard behind the scenes to identify those responsible for causing these unacceptable criminal acts and this morning’s activity is just the latest stage in our on-going investigation.

“We continue to work closely with Thwaites Brewery and we have updated them with this morning’s activity.

“I would like to remind people that we generally have good relationships with the travelling community and the level of destruction and damage caused to the Thwaites site is not reflective of the behaviour of the majority of travellers."

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: "There have understandably been many concerns raised by the public following the acts of criminality that took place at the site and today's arrests will hopefully reassure the public that the investigation is continuing and that the Constabulary is committed to finding those responsible."