Residents living near the Links Market funfair were too frightened to leave their homes because of rampaging gangs of youths, it has been claimed.

Youngsters are said to have clashed just yards from the historic funfair last Saturday, despite police praising public behaviour throughout the event.

However, amid claims that a large battle between two groups of youths took place on Links Street, which runs parallel to the attractions on the Esplanade, residents say that they are not happy with current security arrangements.

Shane Halstead, who lives in the Linktown area, said that the scale of the disruption had shocked the community, adding that a local shop had to close its doors throughout the rammy.

“I understand that the Market is quite hard to police,” he said.

“A private security company covers the Market, while the police do Links Street.

“The police used to do everything but nobody thinks about the people in Links Street.

“If anybody had tried to stop them they would have been kicked to death.”

Earlier this week, local officers confirmed that only a handful of arrests had been made during this year’s market.

An estimated 120,000 visitors descended on the Esplanade for the six-day carnival, with police having thanked members of the public for their conduct.

However, Rab O’Donnell, secretary of the New Linktown Tenants and Residents Association, said that his group would be speaking to the police to address its concerns.

If anybody had tried to stop them they would have been kicked to death.

“In Links Street there were people who were scared to go out on Saturday night,” he said.

“I would like to see police back inside the Market and on Links Street and that way people feel safe.”

Inspector Graeme Neill said: “There was a consistent policing presence in the area throughout the duration of the event.

“Additional CCTV cameras were utilised alongside these dedicated resources, and high visibility proactive patrols ensured that we were able to respond to incidents quickly.

“We received one report of a large group of youths in the Philp Hall area. Officers quickly attended and the group was dispersed with no criminality detected.

“Any potential antisocial behaviour or youth-related disorder was effectively managed and monitored and the majority of feedback we’ve had from the public has been very positive.

“I intend to meet with local councillors and the New Linktown Tenants and Residents Association to discuss their concerns so we can make sure that the Links Market continues to be a safe and enjoyable experience for the local community for many years to come.”

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