Boy, 16, convicted for his part in town centre riot

The boy was convicted after rival groups clashed in Bolton

A 16-year-old boy has been convicted for his part in violence that broke out in a town centre following the attack in Southport in which three young girls died.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, which was sitting as a youth court.

The charge related to the boy "participating in riots" in Bolton town centre on August 4, prosecutor Suzanne Ludlow said.

District Judge Lucy Hogarth told the boy he was involved in "an extremely serious incident where real harm was caused around the country by individual people involving themselves in what was happening".

The 16-year-old was bailed and will be sentenced by magistrates on 17 September.