Police need to speak to witnesses after two large gangs of youths threatened each other with weapons in Warley.

Concerned residents in The Drive called police when threats between the groups could be heard.

Each gang was of around 10 young people aged between 16 and early 20s, some of whom were said to be wielding knives and baseball bats.

When officers arrived at the scene the groups had vanished but a stop check on a car nearby led to five Brentwood youths being arrested for having offensive weapons.

One of them has been remanded in custody charged with public order offences and possession of an offensive weapon and another is on police bail.

Act Sgt Sean McDermid of Brentwood Police said although there was no physical violence between the two groups there was cause for concern and he added that they needed to speak with anyone who witnessed the incident.

If anyone has information on the incident, which happened at around 10.30pm on Friday, January 9 they should call the Brentwood Policing Team on 01279 625469.

Published Wednesday January 14, 2004

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