POLICE continued to be on alert last night as rumours of rival gangs hitting the streets of a North-East town continued to circulate.

As the weekend ran smoothly, with little or no sign of trouble across the borough, police officers in Darlington continued to speak reassuringly about the situation.

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, of Darlington police, said: "We have maintained a strong presence over the weekend and there is nothing that has given us specific cause to respond in the meantime."

Talk of rival gangs preparing to meet in the town built up last week and across the weekend, with rumours of people from outside the area converging on Darlington.

The speculation was that trouble could flare between members of the travelling community and town centre drinkers.

Last night, it was still unconfirmed that any potential trouble was linked to a police operation in the Haughton area on Wednesday.

Officers surrounded a house in Salters Avenue after reports of gunshots and a group of men running away from the property.

More than 30 police officers, half of them armed, took part in the four-hour operation. Police are still hoping to speak to the occupant of the house who was not inside and it is understood he has yet to return home.

Chief Supt Banks said the main intention was to ensure the people of Darlington are reassured about safety.