SEVEN people have appeared in court in connection with a violent disturbance at the weekend.

It happened in Meadowfield, Burnhope, at around 5.20pm on Sunday and involved two rival groups.

Officers have arrested and charged six men and a teenage boy in connection with the incident, who all appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today.

James Mongan, 35, was charged with violent disorder and Patrick Mongan, 32, was charged with violent disorder, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance. The pair, of Greencroft, Stanley, were both remanded in custody.

Sean Radford, 29, of Louisa Terrace, Stanley, was charged with violent disorder. He was released on bail.

Robert Hayden Snr, 62, Robert Hayden Jnr, 36, and Johnboy Hayden, 29, all of Meadowfield, Burnhope, were charged with violent disorder. They were all released on bail.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also charged with violent disorder and released on bail.

They are all due to appear at Durham Crown Court on August 9.

Detective Inspector Tonya Cook said: “This was a violent incident between two rival parties and our investigation continues.”