MONMOUTH residents fear their town will get a reputation for violence following a large-scale Friday night incident in which two police officers were injured.

The officers were patrolling the Blestium Street area of the town and went to deal with a disagreement between two men in Chippenham Fields on September 16 just before 10pm.

But a man from a group of around 50 to 70 young men and women gathered there allegedly started to antagonise the officers "egging them to do something about it," said an eyewitness.

And another onlooker said: "It was all very, very scary stuff."

The witnesses said that in the scuffle a man allegedly hit out at the male police officer, flooring him and then kicking him in the face.

The woman officer who went to assist him was punched in the face.

A police statement says both officers sustained head and facial injuries which needed hospital treatment.

The Review believes both officers were Special Constables – volunteer part-timers.

Four men aged 18, 19, 22 and 25 and a youth aged 16, all from the Monmouth area, were arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder and have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Additionally two male 16-year olds, also from the Monmouth area, were arrested for Public Order Offences, but both teenagers have since been released after being cautioned.

Gatherings of young people are not uncommon in the area, for the most part incident-free, although drinking is often involved and some say drug abuse is common. But witnesses said that on this occasion the group was uncommonly large.

Monmouth Police are appealing for information about the incident and have called upon the 50 to 70 people who may have seen the the confrontation to contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Superintendent Mark Sutton of Gwent Police said: "We've had a number of people come forward so far but we really need anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed anything or who has any information that could help the ongoing enquiry to contact us.

"It's upsetting, shocking and disappointing that officers are subjected to such violence whilst doing their job in responding to crimes and actually protecting people within our communities.

"We are currently tracing CCTV opportunities and I would ask anyone who may have any CCTV footage covering that area, such as private premises to come forward.

"I'm obviously concerned about this incident and as part of my general patrol duties I will be out again this weekend to reassure the public that we are committed, with our partners, to ensuring the safety of our communities and again anyone with any concerns or information can approach us or call 101."

A Monmouth Town Council spokesman said on Tuesday: "It is with shock and sadness that we learned of an incident in Monmouth last Friday evening involving a large number of young people. It is especially distressing that police officers were injured and we would like to wish those involved a swift and full recovery.

"Such behaviour is very disappointing and cannot be tolerated. We have full confidence in the police to resolve the issue and would urge anyone who can assist with enquiries to contact them."