[10 OCT 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Memorial Park Punchup

Gangs of rival school children were involved in a major disturbance in Coventry's Memorial Park last night.

Police were called to the incident at about 8pm and subsequently arrested 22 teenagers.

All those arrested have been released on police bail to return to Chace Avenue police station over the next few days.

During the disturbance, three people were injured and were taken to Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital for treatment.

A 16 year old male suffered a broken nose and cuts, a 15 year old girl suffered a bruised cheek and a 20 year old man suffered a cut to his mouth.

It is not known if any weapons were used and none have been recovered.

A police spokesman said today:

"This appears to have been rivalry between local schools and we have a number of witnesses we are speaking to. The arrested youths have been released on police bail to return to the police station."