A police officer was injured as disturbances broke out in the Heywood area of Rochdale.

Windows were damaged at a takeaway on Bridge Street and a number of vehicles were damaged, police said.

The officer suffered minor injuries during a disturbance with a group of youths.

Sources said earlier that gangs of youths had congregated and it was believed Asian takeaway businesses had been targeted.

Greater Manchester Police appealed to parents to ask their children to go home following the disorder.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said police were aware of "tensions in the borough".

He said: "A group of youths have attacked a local business and clashed with police officers. We would urge parents in the area to call their children if they are not home yet. Reassurance patrols are in place to try and mitigate this and we ask the community to act responsibly during this difficult time. A number of local businesses have closed of their own volition and we will continue to work closely with them."

A police spokesman added: "We are monitoring social media sites and ask anybody who is concerned or has information to share with us to go either through their local Neighbourhood Policing Team, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by GMP using the 101 service."

Around 200 youths had gathered on Market Street in the centre of Heywood, swamped by police officers with dogs in vans at the ready.

Police vans also lined the street, lit up by their blue flashing lights, with most shops and takeaways closed and their steel shutters down. A line of officers dispersed the youths and apart from small groups most left the area. Some shouted, "EDL!" as they went.