POLICE and council wardens in Darlington last night pledged to present a united front following a night of violent disorder in the West End.

Around 30 young people were involved in a fracas on Friday evening in the Mowden area of the town.

Police were called to the scene after receiving reports of youngsters drinking and causing a disturbance in a park on the estate.

Two uniformed wardens who were in the area at the time were assaulted by the gang when they went to the aid of a female police officer, who had been trying to alleviate the situation.

The wardens told the youths to calm down but were assaulted when they arrested a 22-year-old female who was part of the group.

The gang took exception to the woman being arrested and attacked one of the wardens.

Another youth then assaulted the other warden and he was also arrested.

Twenty police officers with dogs arrived at the scene after the wardens and police officer called for immediate police assistance.

Police and council wardens said last night they will continue to work closely to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the town.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "Behaviour of this kind against both our uniformed warden team and the police will not be tolerated.

"This incident shows that the police and the uniformed wardens are working closely and supporting each other at street level to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Incidences of this kind will hopefully drive the message home to certain corners of the community that we mean business and are presenting a united front when it comes to protecting the security and peace of mind of residents and their property.

"In addition we hope that the courts sentence accordingly."

Three people were arrested following the incident including the 22-year-old woman who was later found to be carrying a knife. They have been released on police bail.

A police spokesperson said: "This is a positive example of the way in which police officers and borough council wardens work together to combat unruly behaviour on the streets of Darlington."