Carnival

As well as the procession, highlights included the annual pram race around Eynsham's pubs, with runners in fancy dress.

Saturday's events went smoothly, with crowds turning out to view the annual parade through the village, but some residents in High Street said the festivities were marred by Friday night's trouble.

A resident said young people started gathering outside the Co-op supermarket in High Street, shouting abuse. The crowds soon swelled to up to 50 and police were called. Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of public disorder offences.

It is thought the young people may have been returning from a fun fair in the playing fields, which is traditionally held on the eve of the carnival.

The High Street resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Within about 20 minutes, the numbers had grown. The police drove by and asked them to move, which they didn't, and a few minutes later there must have been something happening, as more officers turned up and started to get people to move on."

The resident said problems went on until about midnight, adding: "There was violent behaviour and attempts to break windows. Luckily they didn't do too much damage. "In the morning there are little old ladies about doing their shopping and at night things like this happen."

Sally Kirkwood, who lives off High Street, said loud and unruly behaviour by groups of young people had become the norm in Eynsham on Friday and Saturday nights.

She said: "It's just such a shame this happened just before carnival and luckily it didn't ruin the day, but it caused a lot of distress to people living nearby.

"It's unnerving sitting at home and listening to this going on outside your doors. You don't want to say anything for fear of becoming a target yourself."

Mother-of-two Matilda Harries, of Eynsham, who was enjoying the carnival with relatives from Berkshire, added: "So much work goes into carnival and we don't want this to happen again.

"It's the minority causing problems for the majority of people who just want to enjoy themselves. It's just yobbish behaviour."

Thames Valley Police spokesman Victoria Evans said: "Police were called around 11.30pm following reports that between 40 and 50 youths were causing a disturbance outside the Co-op.

"Police attended and arrested two people. A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of public order offences and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

"An 18-year-old man was arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice for disorder."