TENSIONS which led to a brawl in the Audley area of Blackburn have been ironed out, say police and community leaders.

Around 50 men were involved in the fight in Chester Street which started after a shopkeeper caught a youth stealing from his shop on Thursday night.

Blackburn with Darwen mayor Salas Kiani lives in Chester Street and acted as a peacekeeper in the aftermath of the brawl.

Councillor Kiani said: "I was coming home from a meeting at the town hall when I saw the disturbance.

"The police were called and we managed to get representatives from both sides to sit down and talk about the situation.

"Both sides agreed to shake hands and we seemed to get things sorted out and they agreed to keep within the law."

Chief Inspector Mike Gledhill of Blackburn police said: "We had an informal meeting with local community leaders to talk about the problems.

"Everyone appears to be happy about the situation but we will continue to monitor the area."

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