British Police say that more than 200 youths were involved in disturbances overnight in Burnley in Lancashire, some wielding baseball bats.
Trouble began when a large group of white youths gathered before marching towards the predominately Asian Stoneyholme area.
|
A force spokeswoman said that at the same time a large group of Asian youths were collecting in the Stoneyholme area.
She added that mounted police and officers in riot gear kept the two sides apart and attempted to disperse the crowds.
Five cars were torched and the Duke of York pub suffered "extensive damage".
Four arrests were made, although it's not clear what for. The spokeswoman said the four included white and Asian youths.
She continued: "Police believe the disputes have been of a local nature and have not involved any outside influences."
Police are set to meet local community leaders to discuss the trouble and find a way forward.
High profile police patrols will continue in the area and officers will make door to door inquiries.
An incident room is to be set up at a police station in Burnley.
PA