FIFTY asylum seekers have been moved out of Salford after they were attacked by an armed gang.

Three masked men used a car to batter through a security door at the block in Cromwell Road, Pendleton, before carrying out assaults.

Now after an emergency meeting between police, council officers and the owners of the property, the 52 young men aged 16 to 18 who were living in Cromwell Court have been dispersed throughout Greater Manchester.

During the attack, ten days ago, one of the men was reported by witnesses to have brandished a gun.

Police believe the refugees may have been targeted simply because they had ''chatted up'' some local girls.

Salford housing spokesman Coun John Warmisham said: ''At the meeting it was decided that through an existing ayslum partnership between all ten local authorities in the county those resident at Cromwell Court would be moved. They will have the support and back-up of social services in each local authority.

''I do not believe any have stayed in Salford. We are currently in negotiations with the owners of the building over what it will be used for in the future.

''It was previously an old folk's home and has planning permission to provide accommodation for mature students - we would like them to stick to that, meaning people at least in their twenties.

The owners got round the covenant because the ayslum seekers had enrolled with MANCAT so they were technically students.

''It is our view that, no matter what their nationality, having 50 men of that age under one roof is a recipe for disaster.''

The block is currently boarded up and empty.

Assault filmed

Police are still investigating the incident but so far no one has been arrested. The assault was captured on security cameras and tapes are being checked for evidence.

One 18-year-old who suffered cuts to his face and hands when he fell on razor wire while escaping the gang has now been discharged from hospital.

The asylum seekers were from several countries, including some who fled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The flats are privately owned and the refugees had been placed there by Kent County Council, which is responsible for them because they entered the country through Dover.

A spokesman for Kent social services said: ''We have responsibility for more asylum seekers than any county.

''Among them currently are 1,400 unaccompanied juveniles.

''We do not have the facilities to look after them in Kent and have to look to other areas of the country to place them using specialist providers.

''Bedspace, who supply accommodation in Salford, has been one of our providers since August 1999 and we have had no problems with them whatsoever.

''The block is a communal reception centre for 17-year-olds, of which we have many, and they also supply health care and further education to help the young people.

''When they make friends, gain confidence and learn a little English they can move on to smaller accommodation.

''We are satisfied that the dreadful events over that weekend were not the fault of the residents nor the provider.''