A police investigation has been launched after a report of anti-social behaviour at a McDonald's restaurant.

The incident, which was reported to have happened in the McDonald's restaurant on Scotch Street in Carlisle, was said by a witness to have involved a group of teenagers threatening to stab people with a knife.

A spokesperson from Cumbria police said: "Police were called in the early evening yesterday (December 27), to reports of a group of youths acting anti-socially in the centre of Carlisle.

"Incidents were reported on Scotch Street and English Street.

"The reports included youths fighting each other, throwing sweets and shouting.

"Police attended and placed a dispersal notice on the area.

"Officers patrolled the area but the youths left the area and were not located.

"There were no reported injuries.

"Investigations are ongoing into the reports.

"Enquiries include speaking to the members of the public who witnessed the incidents.

"Anyone has yet to speak to police with information regarding the above incidents is asked to contact police on www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting log 221 of the 27th December.

"To report information anonymously, contact independent charity, CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111."

A spokesperson from McDonald's said: "“The safety of our people and customers is our absolute priority.

"We are aware of an incident at our Carlisle restaurant today, and would like to thank our team there for dealing with the issue calmly and professionally.

"We are assisting police with their enquiries.”

They added that at no time was the restaurant closed due to the incident.

Louise Atkinson, a Labour councillor for Carlisle City Council in the Cathedral and City Ward, reacted to the news: "It's really upsetting.

"I think the police are underfunded and they want to do more but don't have the resources to do anything.

"I have been working with the manager at that McDonald's to deal with littering but this seems like a step up, this behaviour is a symptom of the situation children are finding themselves in, all the services have been decimated after over 10 years of Tory austerity, children have very little resources to help them."

Pam Birks, Labour councillor for the Newton and Morton North ward, said: "I think it's abhorrent especially as we have the Knife Angel in Carlisle telling us about knife crimes, we and the parents need to do something about it, we seem as though we have little regard for rules and justice."