COMMUNITY leaders and police are trying to allay fears after a spate of violent crime and rising tensions in High Wycombe.

It came to a head on Wednesday when, according to police, a car was driven at a number of men, and a fight broke out between two Asian groups, behind Tesco in the town centre.

Other serious crimes, which have taken place in the past two months, include the alleged murder of pensioner Alan Irwing in Underwood Road, the stabbing of a shopkeeper in Bridge Street, and a shooting outside the Happy Wanderer pub in Arnison Avenue.

But Chief Inspector Paul Church, of High Wycombe police station, said: "We work closely with community leaders who reassure local residents. We realise the importance of working together to help combat crime and help build a strong cohesive community. Over recent weeks, police in High Wycombe have been investigating a number of unrelated crimes and incidents.

"There are no known connections between the crimes or the victims or those suspected to be involved in them. Each appears to have had a different catalyst and remains under investigation."

Asian community figures have been doing their best to communicate between the families involved in Wednesday's incident, to put a stop to the violence which ended with two men in hospital with serious injuries.

Cllr Liaquat Ali, the town's mayor, has also confirmed that things are now much better in the community.

He said: "Everybody has calmed down now. I hope it will stay that way. I do not think we will have anymore trouble.

"It was sad news when it happened. I have visited both families. It is a sad time for them."

He added: "Nobody wanted this kind of thing to happen, it is unfortunate that it happened."

Cllr Chaudhry Allah-Ditta is pleased all the men are now out of danger.

He said: "All the people who had been injured in that incident are in a stable condition.

"There have been no further developments in that scenario. I hope things remain the same."

l Saghir Hussain, of Adelaide Road, High Wycombe appeared in court on Friday in connection with an incident on Wednesday, June 22.

He faces three counts of causing GBH with intent, one count of wounding with intent and one count of dangerous driving.

Hussain, 25, was remanded in custody on Friday, June 24. He will reappear at Wycombe Magistrates' Court on July 1.