POLICE have moved to reassure residents after gangs of youths from rival communities were reported to be have been squaring up to each other over a dispute sparked by problems at a youth disco.

Officers have stepped up patrols in the Perkinsville and Ouston areas, near Chester-le-Street, after incidents involving large numbers of youths congregating there.

The problem first came to light two weekends ago, when a large group of young people was seen gathering in fields at the back of the Drum Lane Industrial Estate, near Perkinsville, County Durham.

Chester-le-Street community Inspector Paul Anderson said: "Our information is that these youths were from the neighbouring villages of Ouston and Perkinsville.

"They were teaming up to square up against youths from the nearby town Birtley.

"Although there was no major disturbance, there was some damage caused by youths from Birtley who broke a number of windows on the industrial estate as they went looking for the other gang.

"Our intelligence is that the youths from the opposing villages have been organising standoffs between themselves."

Inspector Anderson said the youths were aged 13 to 17 and the gangs numbered up to 30 each.

He said: "We want to get the message out to residents that we are aware what these youths are up to, and that there is no cause for alarm.

"We have stepped up our operations in the area with high-visibility patrols."

Insp Anderson said that last weekend the gangs had started gathering again.

"This time, they were reported to be congregating on the railway line, running through the industrial estate at the back of Perkinsville," he said.

"Our information was that a disturbance might take place, but we were prepared for it and intervened.

"We confiscated a large amount of alcohol from a group of more than 20 youths from the Perkinsville area on the fields at the back of Ouston."

He said the dispute had been going on for some time and it was thought it arose from an altercation at a youth disco in Birtley.

Insp Anderson added: "We are liaising with Northumbria Police over the problem. There will be officers out again this weekend.

"If any youths commit an offence or cause an obstruction we will take firm action."

Insp Anderson asked that residents inform police of any large gathering of youths in the area.

The police can be contacted on 0845 60 60 365.