POLICE last night stepped up their presence in a North-East town centre amid what they described as "heightened tension" between rival gangs.

Riot vans and uniformed police patrolled the streets of Darlington in a high-profile visibility exercise to alleviate fears among residents.

Officers have sought to reassure the public over rumours about conflict between two rival gangs in the town.

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, who spearheaded an armed police operation in Darlington on Wednesday night, said that while there had been recent heightened tension in the borough, police had responded to it.

Detectives are continuing an investigation into reports of gunshots and a dozen men fleeing a property in Salters Avenue, Haughton, on Wednesday.

Speculation suggested two rival gangs of drinkers in the town and members of the travelling community had been involved in a serious altercation, and were planning a fight on Bank Holiday Monday.

Chief Superintendent Banks said: "We are not bringing in extra resources specifically for the bank holiday.

"We respond to intelligence-led policing. We will decide what is rumour and superstition, and what is actionable intelligence, and whether it is this weekend, Bank Holiday Monday, or next month, we will make sure operations deal with that side. In terms of public reassurance, it is in hand."

Police officers are continuing to speak to witnesses and residents in Haughton about the incident on Wednesday.

They still want to speak to the owner of the house who has not yet returned to the property.

Chief Superintendent Banks said: "We are not initially worried for his safety. We are still trying to find out who the people were that caused the damage. We are at the initial stages of the investigation, aware as I am of potential troubles over the past couple of days and that it may well be linked with that investigation."

Police have ruled out a fight in Tanners Hall pub, Skinnergate, on Thursday, as being connected to recent troubles.

"Two men were arrested and it is not connected with any other incident," said Chief Supt Banks.

More than 30 police officers, half of them armed, took part in the operation in Haughton during a four-hour stand-off.

Officers carried out a lengthy and detailed operation in order to determine whether there was anyone injured in the property or people inside with firearms.