A club secretary was attacked by youths plaguing a village park after asking them to move on.

Mick Caine was punched to the floor and kicked by gang members. The 52-year-old lost two front teeth and sustained cuts and bruising in the incident, at Haworth Park, last Friday evening, involving a handful of the gang, while others looked on.

He had twice asked the youngsters to move on and on the third occasion was set upon.

Mr Caine - secretary of the Parkside Social Club, in Butt Lane, opposite the park - said: "These youths gather every week and some of our members have been suffering harassment. There can be up to 60 of them."

"Everyone is sick of the problems and want action. People are threatening to sort it out themselves but that isn't the answer."

Police are investigating Friday's incident, which happened at about 8pm, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. One of the suspects is described as a white youth, aged about 17, around 5ft 8in tall, of athletic build and with dark hair. He was wearing a hooped top and dark jeans.

Acting Insp Darren Minton, of the neighbourhood policing team, said officers were aware of the problems with youths gathering in the park and action was being taken.

He added that following activity at Haworth and Oakworth parks at the weekend, 60 "referrals" for anti-social behaviour were made.

"This means details of youths causing a nuisance are referred to an anti-social behaviour officer and letters warning them about their conduct will be sent to the young people themselves and their parents," he said.

"Generally, youngsters who congregate in our parks are well behaved but there is an element causing problems and we are tackling this."

Anyone with information about Friday's incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. People wishing to report anti-social behaviour should phone the police on 0845 60 60 606.