Published: Wednesday, 9th September, 2009 9:00am

Police step in to curb gang threat

by Inderdeep Bains

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POLICE have stepped up patrols to clamp down on rising tension between rival gangs in Dedworth and Burnham.

Young men out late in Dedworth are being targeted by Thames Valley Police officers in stop checks after a fight broke out between the two groups.

An incident between two members of the rival gangs on Tuesday, August 18, near Burnham Park triggered the tensions and the situation quickly escalated.

During the evening of Wednesday, August 19, and the early hours of Thursday, August 20, a series of incidents occurred in the Dedworth and Burnham areas, which included threats and criminal damage to vehicles in Vale Road and West Crescent, Dedworth.

Police sergeant for Dedworth, Andy Amor, said: "There has been ongoing trouble between the two groups, one of which comes from Burnham and the other from Dedworth, both are made up of older male youths.

"Recent tensions have resulted in a fracas between the two. The groups are relatively small but they could be part of a much larger network."

Police officers have been carrying out extra patrols in the area and have been stopping and quizzing male youths seen in the area as it was feared the matter had the potential to escalate into serious disorder.

Sgt Amor said: "We've stepped up policing in the Dedworth area to gather intelligence and as a preventative measure. There has been an increase in stop and checks and young men in the area would have noticed that in the last week or so."

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to vehicles in Dedworth. He was released on bail until 15 September pending further enquiries.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making threats in Burnham. He was released without charge.