The police in Lancashire, England, sparked outrage after arresting a child over a snowball fight.

The incident took place in Chorley where a group of youths was allegedly throwing snowballs at officers and members of the public outside a local McDonald’s restaurant.

After the confrontation involving icy projectiles, the police managed to arrest one child whose age hasn’t been disclosed.

It was also revealed that a dispersal order was put in place in the area and that the child was arrested on public disorder charges.

“This evening Officers from Chorley Neighborhood and Task force are out and about tackling ASB and crime,” the police said in a statement.

“Whilst going about our business Youths have begun throwing snow balls towards McDonalds which have been very close to hitting officers and members of public in the face.”

The statement continued: “We DO NOT consent to a snowball fight and we will take positive action against any people who have been identified attempting to assault officers.

“Officers will be on duty all weekend and behavior of this nature will NOT be tolerated.”

After the news of the child’s arrest went viral, people were left divided with some suggesting the cops were right to react to nuisance and others saying they should focus on solving real crimes.

“Good. People need to realize that this will not have been a child they arrested but a thug who was trying to hurt people. What would you have done if this was your elderly relative out there,” someone wrote.

“It’s just snow! Let kids have fun and focus on real crime out there,” another argued.

A third said: “We were all kids once and did stupid things but there’s a limit to what children should be allowed to do. What if a baby or an elderly person got hit by one of the snowballs?”

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