A VIOLENT internet video showing a teenager being punched until his face was covered in blood has been pulled from a popular website.

A Messenger investigation found the footage on YouTube, which showed the youngster being punched to the ground by another boy who then continued to hit him until blood streamed from his nose.

This was reported to police who contacted the website last week and within days the clip had been pulled.

The film, titled 'Flex Gets Banged', appeared to have been captured on a mobile phone and showed a group of teenagers on a field.

Two boys were then seen to square up and the one-sided fight ensued while the crowd watched on.

Although the exact location is not clear, taglines attached to the clip included Lostock and Wellacre.

Supt John Graves, from Trafford's partnership and justice team, said: "After viewing this video clip, we are obviously concerned about its nature and content and the possible impact and influences it could have on those viewing it, particularly young people.

"We are pleased it has now been removed from the YouTube website but we still want to determine the authenticity and origins of this clip.

"An investigation is underway and if anyone has information which could help us, I would urge them to get in touch."

Messenger also flagged up the video with Trafford council and executive member for community safety, Councillor Mike Whetton expressed his disgust at the footage.

He said: "This clip is very disturbing. Not only has someone callously filmed their friends fighting, including apparent injury being inflicted, but YouTube has allowed it to be uploaded without any checks.

"This is surely irresponsible and unacceptable behaviour from a global company. We will be helping the police in whatever way we can with their enquiries."

According to the blurb on YouTube, it does not allow videos with nudity, graphic violence or hate and it asks for anyone who comes across videos containing any of these to report it to them.

YouTube currently has more than 100million video views per day, with more than 65,000 videos being uploaded daily.

While the clip is no longer available on the website it is possible it could have been circulated via email.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 0161 872 5050 and ask to speak to your local neighbourhood policing team.