THREE calls were made to police by a distraught father pleading for help as he watched his son being beaten up in a fight on a village green.The youngster became involved in the incident after an argument about a mobile phone – and up to 20 teenagers were caught up in the brawl.

THREE calls were made to police by a distraught father pleading for help as he watched his son being beaten up in a fight on a village green.

The youngster became involved in the incident after an argument about a mobile phone – and up to 20 teenagers were caught up in the brawl.

Police today denied waiting for three calls before responding to the incident at Trimley St Mary and said they were already on their way after the first 999 message, arriving at the scene within nine minutes.

Four police cars and one ambulance were called to the fight on the green opposite the shops in Faulkeners Way.

The area has been a popular gathering place for youngsters in recent years and the scene of vandalism, rowdy behaviour, under-age drinking and drug taking.

Violence broke out at around 8.30pm on Friday and residents called the police to report youths creating a major disturbance, making noise, causing criminal damage and fighting.

One youth, wearing what is thought to be a white shell suit and around 16 years old, was arrested following the incident.

One resident, who declined to named, said: "There was about 20 people against one boy. The boy asked for his mobile phone back and that is when it all started. There was fighting but I didn't see them causing any criminal damage.

"There is often a group of youngsters hanging around. Most are stoned and they are always sitting there drinking. We are always calling the police saying there is a gang here and that they are causing trouble but they always turn up about three hours later."

Another resident also said that there is a "regular congregation of youths in the area" but there was an unusually high number on Friday night.

He said: "When I came past I saw a boy being cuffed and put in the back of a police van but I didn't see any fighting. There were quite a few youths on the path outside the shop and some on the green opposite.

"The boy being arrested was being quite load but he wasn't struggling. I heard him say something like 'He slagged me off'."

A female resident said: "There was a lot of screaming at around 9pm but I didn't see anything. But what do you expect when there is no where else for the kids to go?"

A police spokeswoman said the incident was still being investigated but no complaint of assault had been made.

The person who was arrested has been released.

Calls were received at 8.36pm and nine seconds, 8.36pm and 59 seconds, and 8.41pm and 59 seconds, and the police arrived at 8.45pm.