Police tackle refugee fights

Police say iron bars and knives were used

Police patrols have been stepped up in part of Nottingham after two violent clashes, which left four asylum seekers in hospital.

They were stabbed during fighting between Iraqi refugees armed with knives and metal bars at the Forest Recreation Ground.

The fights took place where asylum seekers and refugees regularly play football.

The largest brawl involved up to 50 Iraqi men, some armed with knives and metal bars.

Pitched battles

Two received hospital treatment for serious stab wounds.

The last exchange was a fortnight ago with 20 to 30 men involved and there were two more stabbing.

Superintendent Alan Butler, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: "We are very concerned indeed. People come from other countries where the carrying of knives is the norm.

"But this is not the way that business is done in Nottingham.

"We want to make sure that calmness is the norm and not these quite frankly ridiculous pitched battles."

Since the fighting 23 Iraqi men have been arrested and released on bail.

Another's been charged with a serious public order offence.