the bus terminal in Hamilton.

The incident was the largest in a series of street fights which have plagued Wednesday's Harbour Night on Front Street and has prompted an investigation by the Chamber of Commerce.

And three youths were arrested and hauled before a magistrate yesterday for their part in the mini-riot that erupted outside the Washington Mall, near the bus terminal.

Police spokesperson Evelyn James Barnett yesterday said the mayhem was the result of several fights that took place throughout the City of Hamilton around 9 p.m.

One such disturbance took place at the Flagpole on Front Street during the weekly street festival, Harbour Nights.

One woman said the unruly teens were armed with bottles and nearly struck a female visitor.

A spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce, which stages the weekly event, yesterday said that the matter was under investigation by the Chamber.

And Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt expressed concern over the latest in a number of incidents that have plagued the event.

Mr. Sherratt said the six reserve Policeman spoke to a group of teens hanging around the back of the flagpole during the fair.

"They left the flagpole, went to the terminal and caused trouble,'' he said.

Reports from various witnesses said the rowdy teens made their way from Front Street, along Queen Street to the Hamilton Bus Terminal, just off Church Street.

Mrs. James Barnett said Police encountered a "large, hostile'' group of teens upon their arrival at the bus terminal.

The officers were forced to take cover after a teen threw a "missile'' at Police. The object struck the front windscreen of a Police vehicle.

A violent struggle erupted when the offender, with the aid of several other youths, resisted Police attempts to arrest him.

The youth was eventually subdued and arrested along with two other teens.

Charles Maybury, 16, from Sandys, 17-year-old Jabari Ebbin from Pembroke and 18-year-old Daniel Smith from Paget were hauled before the Senior Magistrate Will Francis yesterday morning.

Maybury and Ebbin both denied charges of throwing a bottle and resisting arrest. Ebbin will be tried on October 17 while Maybury will be tried on October 16.

And Smith pleaded not guilty to a single charge of obstruction. He will stand trial on December 1.

All three youths were released on $500 bail, plus sureties in like sums.

Mr. Francis also dealt with a fourth young man involved in another Wednesday night disturbance.

Ashley Wellman, 19, of Cooks Hill Lane, Sandys pleaded guilty to offensive behaviour on Church Street in Hamilton. Police prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said Police spotted Wellman walking along Church Street, heading towards the Washington Mall.

Wellman kicked a cycle, parked in front of the London Sports Shop.

Police stopped and arrested Wellman.

When question by Mr. Francis as to the motive behind his actions, Wellman said he thought the bike belonged to another teen who had tried to jump his "boys'' at Harbour Nights.

Mr. Francis gave Wellman a 12 month conditional discharge.

Mr. Sherratt said the Corporation of Hamilton has, and will continue to hold discussions with Police and Chamber of Commerce officials to look at ways to avoid future problems.

"It is a special event for families,'' he added. "It gives visitors the chance to meet and interact with locals as well as purchase local goods. It is sad to think that this atmosphere can be effected by a few young people.'' CRIME CRM