A shop worker has described the terrifying moment a young man was attacked in front of her.

Eastern Daily Press: Mayor Trevor Wenman has praised the people of Diss and police for their swift reaction to an incident on Mere Street. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMayor Trevor Wenman has praised the people of Diss and police for their swift reaction to an incident on Mere Street. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Three teenagers aged between 15 and 16 were arrested on Mere Street in Diss last night on suspicion of affray, assault ABH and possession of an offensive weapon. They remain in custody.

An 18-year-old suffered minor injuries to his knee and wrist. Reports suggested there was a knife at the scene however it is not believed to have been used.

Charlotte Land, who works at Break charity shop opposite the Mere's Mouth, said: 'When I heard all the row I looked out and this lot had a lad on the floor and his friends were trying to stop them.

'A man got out of his car and told them to stop it and so did a bloke from Greggs. He had his family in the car but he still got out.

Eastern Daily Press: Police have been conducting reassurance patrols after an affray in Diss. Picture: South Norfolk PolicePolice have been conducting reassurance patrols after an affray in Diss. Picture: South Norfolk Police (Image: Archant)

'They weren't very nice, they were quite mouthy, but when they realised we were telling them to stop it they ran off around the Mere. They started going on about knives so I rang the police and someone else did as well.

'It wasn't very nice. It was quite frightening, there were other people around with kids. The lad went into Greggs and they gave him a cup of tea.

'I wouldn't have my kids doing that to anyone else, I'm not having it. It shouldn't happen.'

Trevor Wenman, mayor of Diss, said that although the incident was unfortunate the swift response of members of the public is something of which the town can be proud.

He said: 'It's very regrettable, and it is sad when something like that happens in a town like this. Thankfully the knife wasn't used and the police were on the case.

'It's the sort of thing that people in Diss will react to and I'm really pleased that they did. The reaction to it shows why Diss is such a nice community.'

A large number of youths remained in the area following the incident, which led to police implementing a Section 34 Order covering the area Mere Park, Victoria Road, Morrisons car park and the town centre for 24 hours.

Julie Lowery, who works at Mere Street shop M and Co, said: 'When we came out there was just a lot of police activity, there was a lot of crowds. 'It's just a shame if knife crime is going to start coming here. We don't really need that in Diss.'