Six arrested in Fleetwood after gang rivalry escalates into crime spree

Six men have been arrested after a spate of crimes that are believed to be the result of 'increased tensions' between the two groups in the town.

Four men in their 20s and two men aged 40 and 32, all from Fleetwood, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and public order offences.

They have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The incidents, which happened over the course of four days between April 11 and April 15, relate to public disorder and criminal damage.

But police also suspect that the outbreak of gang violence might be responsible for an act of arson.

The trouble started when police were called to a disturbance at a home in Staveley Grove, Fleetwood at around 22.35pm on April 11.

Officers found a group of men who were alleged to be making threats and attempting to force entry into the home.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police, quoting log number 2069 of April 11.

Police were then called to reports of criminal damage after the window of a white Vauxhall Corsa was smashed in Egremont Avenue, Fleetwood shortly after midnight on April 12.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting log number 0041 of April 12.

This was followed by a suspected arson after a beige VW Golf was set on fire in Martindale Avenue, Fleetwood at around 11.10pm on April 15.

It is thought that the fire had been started deliberately using an accelerant.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting log number 1672 of April 15.

Lancashire Police said it is ramping up patrols in the area while investigations are ongoing.

The force said it believes the incidents are targeted and there is not thought to be a threat to the wider public.

Chief Inspector Maire Haworth said: "We would like to appeal to the people of Fleetwood to come forward with any information on the above incidents in order to help us find those responsible.

"Please be reassured that we are taking these incidents seriously and we're increasing patrols in the area while the investigation is ongoing.

"We understand people may be reluctant to come forward during this time especially if they have not been following the government guidelines about staying at home but I would reassure them that our immediate concern is to find out what happened in these incidents.

"I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they may feel it to be, to come forward and speak to us.

"I would also appeal directly to the individuals responsible for these crimes to ask them to come forward and contact police."

Anyone with information on any of the above incidents is asked to please contact 101 quoting the relevant log numbers.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.