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A McDonald's restaurant overrun by gangs of thugs has been forced to hire a bouncer to ID youngsters on the door.

The fast-food chain launched the scheme after staff and customers were regularly "harassed" and sworn at by groups of up to 40 youths.

McDonald's bosses insisted it was a "very unusual" measure brought in as a "last resort" following a number of incidents at the restaurant in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.

Police have had to be called out to deal with the troublemakers and a bouncer has now been installed at the restaurant's doors from 7pm every evening.

Youngsters are asked for ID on the door and under 16s barred from entering unless supervised by an adult.

A McDonald's spokesman said the move was made after talks with police and "lengthy engagement" with the local community.

(Image: SWNS)

The outlet insisted the presence of the bouncer, who has been manning the restaurant's doors since June 26, had led to a "dramatic reduction" in anti-social behaviour.

The spokesman said: "Following engagement with the local police, we have employed an externally contracted door supervisor in the evenings at our Corstorphine restaurant to help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.

"The safety and wellbeing of our customers and employees are of the highest priorities.

"Across the UK, on a case-by case basis, door supervisors have been introduced at some of our sites to support our staff in maintaining a safe, family-friendly atmosphere in the restaurants.

"Externally contracted door supervisors are only employed following engagement with local residents, police and the Council.

"In Corstorphine, we're pleased that the restaurant has seen a dramatic reduction in anti-social behaviour related incidents since the introduction of a door supervisor, and the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

"We will continue to review the situation for as long as required."