Youths stone police in Stoke

Police from five forces are maintaining a presence

Police in Stoke-on-Trent have come under attack from a "hardcore" of youths throwing bricks and paving stones.

Staffordshire police said more than 100 Asian, white and black youths started gathering in the Cobridge area of the town around 1630BST on Saturday.

They say within that group there was a hardcore of troublemakers intent on causing disorder and that officers have been coming under sustained attack from missiles, mainly bricks.

Some of the youths have been breaking up paving slabs to use as missiles.

Good relationship

Police say 23 people were arrested during the afternoon and evening for damage, assault and public order offences.

The public are being advised to avoid the area and the road has been blocked while officers attempt to restore order.

A police spokeswoman said the force has a good relationship with Cobridge's Asian community leaders but a small criminal element was intent on causing trouble.

She said the disturbances would be dealt with in a "positive and professional" manner whatever the provocation.

'Tense but calm'

"We are in contact with local community leaders in the area and are keeping an eye on the situation," she added.

"The youths who had congregated have now dispersed."

Police denied reports of a National Front march in the area and of Asian restaurants having their windows smashed.

They describe the situation now as "tense but calm" with police from five forces maintaining a presence.