POLICE were called after a fracas broke out in St Helens town centre in front of crowds of shoppers and workers at lunch time.

Trouble flared near the junction on Ormskirk Street and Barrow Street.

One witness told the Star groups of people hurled abuse at each other and exchanged blows outside Galloways bakers shortly before 1pm on Tuesday.

An ambulance and three police cars were called to the scene as crowds gathered in front of Nat West Bank.

A police spokesperson played down the disorder as "minor", but it is believed arrests were made.

A woman, who asked not to be named, said: "They are not the type of scenes that you want to see in the town centre.

"It was a busy afternoon in half term and a lot of children were about. Those involved were shouting and swearing at each other, making allegations, and fighting."

Police have yet to release information on the disturbance.