Appeal for calm after racial tension spills over into fight

The fight, which involved about ten white youths and ten young males of Asian origin, broke out in a car park near North Lodge Park, in Darlington, at about 5pm following racist taunts which were targeted at the Asian community.

A section of police officers were dispatched to deal with the fight and they arrested one Asian male, who was released on police bail until June.

The incident comes just a week after the council elections, when the British National Party failed to win any seats in Darlington despite a campaign in the area and across the region.

Andy Errington, head of youth offending and community safety, said: "We want to calm tensions in the area between the two groups.

"Darlington has very good relationships between its various communities and this was a very isolated incident.

"We just want parents, teachers, youth workers and community leaders to keep their eyes and ears open, and if they feel concerned about anything, to let us know."

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, of Darlington police, said: "The incident could have seemed highly intimidating for anyone in the vicinity.

"We will deal quickly and robustly with any racist incidents that occur in Darlington.

"There will be a greater police presence in the affected areas.

"We are investigating the incident and we will be linking up with community leaders to make sure reassurances are given."

Darlington Borough Council last night pledged to step up warden patrols in the park, following the attack.

Closed-circuit television cameras are also due to be installed there "imminently", a spokesman said.

He said the authority was working to improve race relations in the park area after tension between white and Asian youths.

Children of different ethnic origins regularly mix at a youth "pod" on the edge of the park.

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