Police have made 18 arrests following reports of mass brawls in the Aberdeenshire town of Inverurie.

Trouble involving groups of youths was said to have broken out in several locations of the town, including the High Street, on Monday evening.

Officers said there was information that a further pre-arranged disturbance was going to take place on Friday, but the night passed off peacefully.

Police Scotland confirmed 18 people have been arrested and charged following incidents in the last week and a further six penalty notices had been handed out.

Sergeant William Murdoch said: "Although reports were that there was to be an arranged disturbance, Friday night went without incident.

"Support from members of our public has been fantastic with a high number of calls alerting us to potential incidents.

"We've made it clear to those previously involved and those planning to take part that they will face court."

He continued: "Our support to the area won't stop and our patrols will continue so that we are in a strong position to reduce the risk from anything further by taking action against those set on violence.

"We will be stopping cars, we will be checking trains and buses and we will be making it hard for these groups to descend on towns and villages here.

"We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the risk of any repeat."