POLICE last night pledged not to tolerate racism in Darlington only days after a street fight between ethnic groups.

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks was speaking after a second youth was arrested in connection with the fight and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

On Thursday, police arrested a youth of Asian origin, who was also released on police bail.

Officers are still investigating the brawl between ten white youths and ten young males of Asian origin close to North Lodge Park. The fight is believed to have started when the white youngsters shouted racist abuse at the other group of youths.

It happened just a week after the British National Party put up a record number of candidates in the Darlington Borough Council elections, but failed to win any seats.

Chief Supt Banks said last night: "We just want to put across the message that we will not tolerate racism of any kind in this town and any incidents that occur will be dealt with quickly and robustly."

Police have now increased their patrols in the area and spoken to community leaders to help calm any fears.

But they stressed that Darlington has "good relations" between its various ethnic groups and that the incident was a rarety.

Anyone with concerns about racist issues in the town is asked to telephone the Community Safety team on (01325) 346201, or contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.