MORE than 200 Asians celebrating a major Muslim festival went on the rampage at a retail and leisure centre.

The gangs of Asian youths, including many from Haslingden, caused major damage and several people were injured during the disorder at the Capitol Centre in Walton-le-Dale.

The gang had travelled to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha.

They had earlier been moved away from Blackburn where police said they had also caused trouble.

Police said they were called to the centre, which includes shopping and leisure facilities, at 6.35pm on Wednesday evening where they found large groups of Asians fighting inside and outside various premises.

Police said bottles, glasses, chairs and tables were used as weapons during the mass battle involving up to 200 youths.

Customers were left in fear before before dozens of police, some dressed in riot gear, stormed the Megabowl building. The fighting spilled outside.

Several men received serious head injuries and police arrested nine youths.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire police said today youths had come from surrounding areas, including Bolton and Haslingden.

Police and councillors had earlier urged the Muslim community, especially youngsters, to behave peacefully during the Eid celebrations.