THREE youths who joined in a pitched street battle between black and white college students were jailed for eight months each last week. Terrified mothers and young children screamed in panic as they watched the youths attack each other. Several students

THREE youths who joined in a pitched street battle between black and white college students were jailed for eight months each last week.

Terrified mothers and young children screamed in panic as they watched the youths attack each other.

Several students suffered stab wounds in the mass brawl outside Havering College in Ardleigh Green, Essex on March 12 2007.

One eye-witness told the trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court: "I saw a pool of blood, children were screaming."

Other shocked onlookers in busy Ardleigh Green Road saw yobs smash rival gang members' car windows with hammers.

College security guards had earlier confronted the youths on campus.

Ajibola Akinyosade, now 21, and 20-year-olds Ola Akinyi and David Imevbore, who was stabbed during the fight, were jailed for eight months for violent disorder.

A fourth youth, Adeniyi Ajani, 21, was given a three month suspended sentence.

Judge Timothy Lamb QC described their actions as 'intolerable'.

"The public is entitled to some sort of protection. Those who may be thinking of getting involved should know precisely what to expect following the jury's verdict," he said.

Ajani, of Lillechurch Road, Dagenham; Akinyi, of Wood Lane, Dagenham; Imevbore, of Althorne Way, Dagenham; and Akinyosade, of Dagenham Road, Rainham, all Essex, were all convicted by a jury of violent disorder on April 1 this year.

Kurtis Mullins, 21, of Corporation Street, Stratford; James Short, 20, of Dereham Road, Barking, Essex; and Anthony De Silva, 19, of Maplin Road, Canning Town were cleared of the same offence.