NINE men have been arrested in York on suspicion of conspiracy to assault and threatening to damage property.

North Yorkshire Police said the nine, aged between 16 and 36, were arrested between 12.15pm and 2.45pm yesterday in Osbaldwick Lane and Outgang Lane on York's eastern outskirts.

"They have been released on bail as inquiries continue," said a force spokesman. "High-visibility police patrols were undertaken in the Osbaldwick area to provide reassurance to the local community.

"We recognise that this incident will have caused concern in the Osbaldwick community.

"Police acted promptly to safeguard those involved, and officers attended the area on Sunday to provide a high-visibility, reassuring presence.

"Residents can be reassured that this is believed to be an isolated incident, with no threat to the wider public."

Local City of York Councillor, Mark Warters, said concerned residents informed him there had been ‘substantial police action' in the Osbaldwick/Tang Hall Lane/Hull Road areas.

He said he had been told that officers who stopped a pick-up in Tang Hall Lane were armed and that there was a a large deployment of resources throughout Osbaldwick, especially on the roads near Outgang Lane.

He said he suspected this was a police response to ‘yet more serious trouble' associated with a travellers' site in Osbaldwick, adding: "I think the law abiding public who often refer to the lack of a regular police presence on the streets need some explanation as to yesterday’s deployment.”