Police investigate reports of men carrying knives and bats

Police are investigating reports that up to 10 men armed with bats and knives were involved in an altercation in Dungannon, County Tyrone.

One man was assaulted and received hospital treatment after sustaining cuts to his hands and face.

DUP assembly member Deborah Erskine has called on police to "act decisively" to "reassure residents and help alleviate growing community tensions and concerns".

Four people have been arrested.

Police received a report of an altercation in the Killyman Road area at approximately 19:45 BST on Monday.

A group of men had smashed the windows and caused damage to the front door of a property, District Commander Supt Peter Stevenson said.

Officers attended and a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Two other men, aged 32 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Stevenson added that at approximately 23:00, officers on patrol came across a large group of males gathered in the Newell Road area.

"Further reports had also been received of a number of males in the area carrying knives and bats," he said.

"One man had been assaulted and sustained cuts to his hands and face. He attended hospital for treatment for his injuries."

An 18-year old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Erskine said she was deeply concerned by reports from residents.

"Last night, groups of individuals carrying batons and other weapons were involved in attacking homes and creating disorder in estates," she said.

"There is no place for violence, intimidation or criminality on the streets of Dungannon. Criminality is criminality, regardless of who is involved or which section of the community they come from."

Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew described the altercations as "deeply concerning".

"There is no place in our society for these incidents and those involved do not represent the community and I strongly condemn this type of thuggery and violence," he said.

SDLP councillor Karol McQuade said: "Incidents like this are deeply concerning and will understandably leave many people feeling unsettled.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home and in their local community, and events like these have an impact far beyond those directly involved."

Ulster Unionist Party assembly member Diana Armstrong said many householders in the affected area, who were unconnected, felt "extremely frightened".