TWO teenagers have been arrested after pepper spray was discharged during a clash between youths in Leftwich, police have confirmed.

On Sunday, May 22, a dispute broke out between groups of young men in Old Hall Road.

During the fracas pepper spray was discharged. A 16-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, both from Northwich, were arrested and bailed following the incident.

Insp Dave Snasdell, from Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “At about 7pm Sunday, May 22, 2016, a dispute occurred between groups of young males on Old Hall Road, Leftwich in which a pepper spray was discharged.

“As a result of the incident police have arrested an 18-year-old male and a 16-year-old male juvenile on suspicion of possession of a Section 5 prohibited weapon.

“A pepper spray canister has also been recovered. They have been interviewed and bailed pending forensic examination.”

Pepper spray is used occasionally by police officers in the UK and while considered a less-than-lethal agent, it has been fatal in rare cases.

However, it is illegal for members of the public to carry it under Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 and can carry a lengthy prison sentence.

Insp Dave Snasdell said: “To make the community aware, to possess pepper spray or CS gas is a criminal offence and could have a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment on indictment.

“If anyone has any information of others who may have access or be in possession to these types of illegal prohibition weapons please contact the police or ring Crimestoppers.”

The incident is the latest in a number of reports in Leftwich involving anti-social youths.

On the evening of Sunday, May 8, fighting broke out during a ‘large disturbance’ involving a gang of youths outside a row of shops in Clifton Drive, Leftwich.

No arrests were made but a police spokesman said officers were ‘stepping-up efforts to manage ongoing anti-social behaviour issues in the area’.

Insp Snasdell confirmed this following the latest incident.

He said: “As a result of a number of incidents of public order and violence in this area these past few weeks we have increased patrols to target the area and offenders.”