CLAIMS that Lytham Club Day was marred by mass street brawls have been slammed by police and organisers as a "gross exaggeration."

Police say reports of 250 yobs battling in Station Road around 11.30pm on Saturday (June 22) are untrue and although a fight did break out it involved only a handful of people, possibly as few as four.

In fact, during the incident, which took place near the Hansom Cab pub, only three people were arrested for public order offences and one was later released without charge.

Inspector John Lee of Lytham Police said: "The reports in a local evening paper have either been grossly exaggerated or their reporters have misquoted.

"The fact that 250 were there during the incident does not reflect what went on at all.

"At that time of night there are bound to be people coming out of the pubs and takeaways.

"And the sight of three police vans, which had been in and around the area all day, is bound to attract onlookers."

He added: "This year's club day was as successful as it is every year, perhaps with the exception of there being slightly less people because of the England versus Spain match.

"But as far as trouble goes - there was no more than on an average weekend night in Blackpool."

In separate incidents throughout the day police made 12 other arrests. Two people were charged with public order offences, six released with a caution and the remainder released without charge.

Meanwhile, the exaggerations have also angered members of Lytham Club Day committee who say it has given the annual event an undeserved reputation for attracting trouble.

Organiser Doreen Jackson fumed: "The reports about the incident certainly put the day in a bad light and were totally untrue.

"The figures given in the newspaper were completely distorted and misunderstood."

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