THE police have stepped up patrols and are visiting schools in the wake of racial attacks and anti-social behaviour in Cradley Heath.

Last week's News revealed a gang of youths had been arrested after a sickening spate of racially motivated attacks on Asians.

The Cradley Heath and Old Hill Neighbourhood Policing Team revealed the new tactics in the agenda of next week's Neighbourhood Forum.

A spokesman for the team said: "We have seen a rise in anti social behaviour in these areas and there has also been a serious assault in Bearmore Park.

"This has led to community worries regarding safety."

The spokesman added: "We will increase our patrols, request wardens do so also, to re-assure the community and positive action will be taken with offenders.

"We will attend local schools and give inputs regarding anti-social behaviour and also introduce local surgeries to improve local community contact and re-assurance."

Two elderly Asian men were attacked, an eight year old boy slapped outside Plant Street mosque and a car driven by an Asian driver was set about in Cradley Heath.

Police swooped on two sixteen-year-olds, a 15, 17 and 18-year-old who have been bailed by police until December with a strict daily curfew from 6.30pm until 7am and they have been barred from visiting Plant Street and Bearmore Park playing fields.

The neighbourhood team spokesman added: "There have been a number of racially motivated crimes in the area around Bearmore playing fields. "We continue to patrol both Bearmore and its surrounding area on a regular basis as well as Haden Hill.

"Regular surgeries are being held at the nearby mosque."