SEVERAL arrests have been made following the recent violent clashes between white and Asian youths in Redditch.

They come after the mother of a fatal stabbing victim appealed for calm in last week's Redditch Advertiser following a spate of incidents.

A number of youths have since been remanded in custody or released on conditional bail.

Town agencies and community leaders have now joined forces to tackle the issues surrounding the clashes. Redditch Community Safety Partnership is concerned by the attacks on young people and the problems the small number of youths involved are causing for the wider community.

Parviaz Khawaja, of the Pakistan Community Forum, said: "There have been a lot of positive initiatives behind the scenes to build trust between the police and local committees and we would not want recent difficulties to overshadow the progress that has already been made.

"In view of the frustrations of the Asian community, if anyone, in particular young people, would rather report incidents to us, they are welcome to do so."

Redditch Council community safety officer Tariq Khan said the agencies and community groups were committed to working together to keep the town a safe place to live.

He said: ''Anyone who feels they have been intimidated in any way should report this to the police or other community agencies such as the Redditch Anti-Harassment Partnership, neighbourhood offices, Redditch Victim Support, Worcestershire Racial Equality Council and Redditch Community Relations Council."

l Redditch police have apologised for a press statement in last week's Advertiser describing an attack on a man as ''unprovoked'' before a full inquiry had been completed.

Chief Insp Dave Willetts said: "Mistakes have been made and lessons learned.

''Any acts of violence, harassment or intimidation reported to us are being dealt with swiftly and appropriately and those committing these acts should understand they will be dealt with by positive police action.''