What’s spotty, rebellious and hates pink? The anti-social teenager.

The “pink acne light” is the latest deterrent to keep gangs off the streets. The lights, usually in beauty salons, have been installed in street lights in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, to embarrass congregating youths by highlighting their acne.

The pink lights must be working as gangs are fleeing, leaving residents in peace.

Tony Gelsthorpe, chairman of the Layton Burroughs Residents’ Association, said: “I was a little dubious about the pink lights at first, but it’s done the trick.”

One resident added: “Any teenager standing there trying to act big and tough will be seen as the spotty little herbert they really are.” Plans to install the lights behind bike sheds or in smoking dens outside schools are yet to be drawn up.