ANGERED Beckenham residents have rejected police claims that violence in the town is not a growing trend.

Bromley police Chief Superintendent Gerry Howlett last week blamed ongoing violence on young people getting “carried away” after having too much to drink.

David James, Chairman of Beckenham Civic Society, said the police are “burying their heads in the sand”.

He said: “It's a bit rich saying the youths are getting carried away the consensus among residents is that this has all gone far enough.

“The pubs put bouncers on the door, but that only adds to the antagonism in Beckenham at night. It's up to the police to do something. Extending opening hours is not the answer.”

In response, Mr Howlett said he stood by his comments. He said: “If you look at the monthly figures for reports of violent crime in Beckenham, there is no rise in the first two months of this year.

“Residents are simply responding to the high profile incidents which have occurred recently.”

He added: “As far as I'm concerned, any incident of violent crime or assault in Beckenham is one crime too many.”