Youths confronted police and fires were lit during skirmishes on a York street.

Police were confronted by between 20 and 30 youths after receiving several calls from the public complaining about youths in Etty Avenue, Tang Hall.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York police, said trouble started after a gang of youths gathered and one was abusive to police. This led to "further problems," Sgt Ventress said, which included the throwing of objects and a wheelie bin fire.

A small fire was also lit at the back of Tang Hall Community Centre, but this was quickly extinguished by firefighters, Sgt Ventress added. He said: "Officers were retained in the area and a policy of high profile policing was followed.

The situation was soon calm and we received the last complaint at about 1am." The problems started last night, just before 11pm.

One father, whose son was at the scene, accused officers of "looking for trouble."

He said: "There was no bother down here. The police came into this area with the intention of causing problems and they managed to do exactly that." Sergeant Richard Crinnion, whose beat includes the Tang Hall area, rejected any accusations of heavy handed policing.He said: "At the time the arrest was made the officers were under attack. While I was not there at the time I am sure they only used force as was necessary."

Tang Hall councillor Derek Smallwood, who said that he would be surprised if the police had been "overbearing." "I think the police are just letting these young tearaways know that there are no 'no go' areas and they won't allow any to emerge."

* A youth was last night arrested in connection with alleged public order offences. He was released on bail.

Updated: 16:14 Tuesday, June 12, 2001