POLICE are working with the military to stamp out violence in Warminster and Westbury after a weekend of fighting between soldiers and civilians.

More than 10 soldiers were arrested during the "nightmare" weekend and police said they were working hard to get on top of the situation.

Sgt Jim Stannard met the Regimental Sergeant Major on Monday to discuss ways of easing the tension.

Sgt Stannard said: "It was a nightmare weekend, we were going from one job to the next.

"The military are very aware of the issue and will be working closely with us.

"It has to be pointed out that it is a very small minority of soldiers.

"We are talking about a garrison of 600 soldiers and only a few caused any problems.

"We are working very closely with the army to ensure that this does not get out of hand."

Sgt Stannard said three soldiers had been charged and police had worked hard to limit the damage.

"We know that a lot of soldiers may have been baited by civilians," he said.

"Some of them were making quite unacceptable comments to service personnel.

"We are working with the military to try and educate soldiers not to retaliate."

Stewart Pease, manager of the Old Bell in the Market Place was aware of the problem and said he would be vigilant in stopping violence ruining a good night out.

He said: "I think all pubs in the town try to make sure that people don't have too much.

"We refuse anybody who appears to be too drunk and we also operate the Pubwatch scheme.

"Most people do not cause any trouble at all."

Mr Pease said he had heard of violence at the weekend but the Old Bell had been trouble-free.

"The problem has been going for a long time.

"When people get kicked out the pubs at 11pm everyone congregates waiting to get food or taxis.

"We need to concentrate on getting these people moved on as quickly as possible to try and avoid problems."

Roddy Mellotte, spokes-man for the Army, said: "I have established that 12 soldiers from the Black Watch are being investigated by military and civil police.

"Whilst the Commanding Officer condemns this behaviour, which cannot be excused, it is worthy of note that the alleged incidents took place largely as a reaction to comments made by local youths."