A ‘MINI-RIOT’ broke out on Portland when police tried to disperse a group of 50 teenagers.

Four young people – three males and a female – were arrested for various offences including assault, criminal damage and public order offences following the incident in the gardens at Easton Square on Saturday night.

Eyewitnesses said around 20 police officers in several vehicles attended the scene just before 11pm.

Police dogs and officers with riot shields were also spotted.

Youngsters aged between 13 and 19 were seen throwing bottles at police cars.

There were also reports of a number of scuffles involving police and youngsters while arrests were made.

A nearby resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It got worse and worse.

“There was a lot of noise and a lot of shouting and swearing.”

It is understood that the group gathered in Easton Gardens after being moved on from the Grove.

Sergeant Neil Wood, head of the Portland Safer Neighbourhood Team, said police have increased patrols in the area in response to the disturbance and his team had carried out ‘reassurance visits’ in the area.

He added: “This increased visibility will continue to provide further reassurance for members of the local community.”

The incident comes in the wake of police launching a crackdown on anti-social behaviour on Portland last summer.

Islanders called for more police action after a man and a woman were allegedly attacked with baseball bats in July in Easton Square when they confronted a gang about car vandalism.

A resident living close to the scene said: “These are a different breed of youngster who are happy to sit out in the freezing cold drinking alcohol.

“We’re so used to all this happening.”

Sgt Wood said two of the four people arrested had been charged.

He said: “Following police inquiries, two males have been charged with criminal damage and public order offences and a male and a female have been released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

“Police are keen to identify several other persons that may have been involved in the disturbance and as part of the investigation, police would like to hear from anyone that may have any information or may have witnessed the incident.”

Call police in confidence on 01305 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.