REDBRIDGE youths have been blamed for causing a night of violence in Loughton.

Police made three arrests on Friday after about 100 youths from Redbridge crossed into the town and street fights broke out.

A 16-year-old, from Ilford, was arrested for assault, criminal damage and carrying an offensive weapon while two other youths were arrested for carrying an offensive weapon.

Police also made 33 stop and searches.

The incident has led to fears that anti-social behaviour in the area is in danger of getting out of control.

District councillor Stephen Murray has voiced concerns that the problem of youth violence is escalating.

Mr Murray said: "At my weekly surgery this weekend I was inundated by residents concerned about the running street fights that took place along Valley Hill and the top half of Roding Road. The situation has been building for some time with the two weeks of the Easter holiday being hell for many local residents with numerous incidents of criminal damage to people's cars and property and the deliberate starting of fires on the recreation ground.

"Unless dealt with it can only be a question of time before there is a serious injury or even fatal stabbing."

Mr Murray has also called on police in Loughton to be more pro-active in their approach and has accused them of neglecting some areas in the town.

He added: "There seems to be a policy of anything can go as long as it's not in the area of the High Road or Loughton Station."

Defending the police's record, police crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "Loughton High Road and the area around the station has been one of our hotspots for crime. Cllr Murray is quite right that we've concentrated most of our efforts in this area. That has clearly displaced problems into the surrounding areas. We're well aware of the situation and will be taking actions to deal with it."