Children forced to flee after armed brawl at cricket club

CHILDREN who were at a cricket club practice session were forced to flee 'in tears' after youths armed with weapons gathered for a fight on the pitch.

- BY CHRIS SLATER, PATRICK EDRICH AND EMILY CARUBIA

The yobs were 'fighting and threatening each other with hammers, knives, a garden spade' during the 'terrifying incident, it is claimed.

Around 50 children, aged nine to 13, were waiting to start their training session when a 'number of youths' congregated on the pitch at Maghull Cricket club in Sefton on Friday. The youngsters, some of whom were in tears, were escorted away from the pitch for their safety.

One mum, who witnessed the incident, wrote on Facebook: "I was there this evening with my eight and 10-year-old. It was truly terrifying.

"I would like to just say a massive thank you to the adults, especially the men/fathers, involved with the club who quickly stepped in ushering the children to safety and stepping in bravely to defend them if needed. You didn't hesitate to take action and it didn't go unnoticed."

One image taken by the cricket club shows a large number of teenagers gathered in a huddle.