CALLS have been made for 'more to be done' to tackle anti-social behaviour after a 15-year-old girl was assaulted in Barrow town centre.

An investigation was launched after the teen was surrounded by a gang and attacked outside BodyCare in Dalton Road, at 4.10pm on Saturday.

The girl had been out with two friends when she was grabbed by the hair and dragged to the ground by one of the gang members, who then repeatedly kicked her in the head and body.

Reacting to the attack, granddad-of five and Barrow Borough Council leader, Cllr Dave Pidduck, said he would hate to think any young person being unsafe in Barrow.

He said: "My view of CCTV is that it serves a purpose being that it catches people doing something wrong.

"I'm a big fan of it, and most of us are used to it and we don't even think of it being there.

"I'm not happy about this and I want people to be safe. I have five granddaughters myself.

Police launch investigation after teen girl assaulted by gang in Barrow

"We have just modernised the CCTV system in Barrow but we might need to look at putting it in new areas now."

Cllr Pidduck said that the council would be happy to work alongside police to issuing banning orders to tackle the anti-social behaviour but said authorities must be mindful that some youths would treat the punishment "like a badge of honour".

Outraged residents also took to social media to voice their concerns about the incident.

Stacey Bibby said: "It's disgusting they need to be banned from town, it's every weekend."

Leanne Marie Maddison said: "I think everyone should start immediately reporting to police," and Nick Watson added: "I hope they catch who did this, that’s disgusting doing that to a person."

Officers have described the attacker as approximately 15-years-old with dark brown, shoulder length hair, wearing a khaki Parker jacket with a light trim around the hood and black leggings with a mustard coloured top.

She is believed to have left the scene heading towards McDonald's, near Crellin Street.

The victim was left with swelling and tenderness to her head and body, and police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log number 140, March 3.