Dozens of police officers were called to a park where two large groups were causing violent disorder – with bricks hurled at officers and one man arrested.

The unrest broke out in North Lodge Park in Darlington, County Durham, at about 21:00 BST on Monday.

The area is close to a mosque and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy said everyone who lived in the area “must be allowed to live their lives happily and in peace”.

Two 18-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. One was also charged with assaulting a police officer and possession of a controlled drug. Both remain in police custody.

Disturbances have been spreading across a series of English towns and cities ever since the Southport stabbings last week.

Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen, from Durham Constabulary, said: “What we have been dealing with tonight in Darlington has been sporadic pockets of violent disorder involving groups of people intent on causing serious harm to our communities and their property.”

He said the force received support from Cleveland and Northumbria police, with the fire service and ambulance also at the scene.

Officers worked throughout the night to disperse the two groups.

“We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities. If you were there committing criminal acts, we will do everything in our power to find you and deal with you robustly,” he added.

Ms McEvoy said she was “relieved” violence did not escalate to levels seen elsewhere in the country.

She added: “Darlington is a warm-hearted town that has long embraced people from many backgrounds and faiths, including our Muslim community. That will not change.”

Officers were given permission to use enhanced powers to stop and search people in the area.

The force said it gave officers authority to order people to remove face coverings meant to “conceal” their identity.