A LARGE fight involving as many as 40 youths, some carrying iron bars, had to be broken up by police officers.

Officers were called following reports of a disturbance at Jacksons Recreation Ground in Rochester by residents who saw the clash.

Police in Medway have previously dealt with pre-arranged teenage gang fights.

The youngsters are known to organise 'meets’ and taunt one another through websites.

But a police spokesman said he was “not aware that this was a gang-related incident”. The police’s quick response meant they arrived at the scene before there were any serious injuries.

Patrols were sent to the recreation ground at about 8pm last Thursday and “a group of youths did disperse”, said Det Insp Andy Rabey.

He added: “We put additional resources into the area, carried out a number of stop checks and remained in the area for the duration of the evening to make sure nothing further went on.”

Earlier this year, police made 19 arrests and seized knuckle dusters and a snooker ball in a sock after clashes between youths from Chatham and Gillingham.

Mr Rabey said: “We look to the community to provide information to make sure we are aware of any potential incidents involving gangs.”