Blackburn rival gangs in battle
11:18am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News
By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter
BRAWL Wensley Road, Blackburn
TWO rival Asian gangs started a war of ‘retribution’, police said.
Officers were called to several incidents in Blackburn on Saturday between two groups of rival teenagers.
The first incident took place in Cedar Street, Blackburn shortly after 4.30pm when four teens sat in a grey Ford Focus were pelted with stones and bricks.
An 18-year-old passenger was hit on the side of a head with a brick when it smashed through the window.
The attackers had driven to Cedar Street in a white two-year-old BMW before launching the attack.
Police said the group in the Ford Focus managed to get away and call for help after driving to Cromer Place.
The 18-year-old victim was left needing stitches for a severe cut to his ear, police said.
Throughout the early evening the row escalated with several incidents of criminal damage on different properties in the Wensley Fold area of Blackburn reported to police.
Detectives said around 10 members of both gangs were then involved in a brawl in Wensley Road, Blackburn shortly after 9.20pm.
A 29-year-old man suffered head injuries in the fight and was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Both people injured are now said to be recovering at home.
DS Mark Saunders, of Blackburn CID, said: “I appeal for anyone who may have seen the incidents unfold or noticed anything suspicious to come forward and contact police.
“These isolated incidents were clearly retribution between the separate gangs.
“Officers have been carrying out extra patrols in the area in a bid to reassure local residents.”
Three men aged 18, 19, and 26 have been arrested and released on police bail until May 22 pending further inquiries.
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
