A 26-year-old man has been arrested after trouble flared at McDonalds in Risinghurst last night.

He is today being questioned by officers as part of an arson investigation at the fast food outlet.

Officers were also called to a car fire in Barton Road, Barton, at 12.50am this morning after a black VW Polo was set alight.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood, said: “There have been a lot of rumours circulating on social networking sites about ‘riots’, some of which are untrue or greatly exaggerated. "However, there has been some disorder across the force area.

“These are copy cat incidents of those that have been happening in London, although involving far fewer people.

"Obviously, we are aware that these incidents and the images people will have seen from the problems in London and other areas of the country will be causing distress and anxiety.

“You may notice an increase in the number of police officers in your area at this time and this should not cause alarm.

"These officers are there to provide reassurance and tackle any criminal activity that may occur."