FEARS that this year's Mischief Night would provoke a torrent of juvenile violence proved unfounded. The November 4 anniversary, which last year saw yobs attack Mal Hussain's minimart with petrol bombs, passed smoothly. Insp Phil Barnes, who headed a specially co-ordinated operation including mounted police, riot vans and foot patrols, congratulated the efforts of the community in keeping trouble at bay.

He said: "Mischief night really didn't happen. We put added resources into policing all parts of the city, with particular emphasis on the Ryelands estate where residents and shopkeepers provided a disco.

It was was well attended and certainly helped in influencing the tone of the night.

"Our job is to make sure the people of the city are not disturbed by kids getting out of hand. Everything was very quiet," added Insp Barnes.

The eve of bonfire night has been synonymous with a surge in juvenile crime in Lancaster for many years. Mr Hussain said he was completely overwhelmed by the enormous police presence on Ryelands. "It was beyond imagination but after six-and-a-half years of hell I think it's come too late."

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