A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to incite riots in Southampton.

The 18-year-old was detained by police last night after posts appeared on social networking site, Facebook.

Rumours were spread across the city of violence being planned or actually taking place, fuelled by speculation online.

But police insist there was no serious public disorder anywhere in Hampshire.

The man was held overnight on suspicion of attempting to incite violence, but has today been released without charge and has apologised for his "stupid and immature" actions.

In his letter of apology, the 18-year-old said: “My acts on Facebook were stupid and immature, even though I never wanted to start a riot, by creating a page about one I could have incited one. So for that I’m sorry. I know the rioting is a big fear everywhere and didn’t think about the negative side of my poor idea and how people felt.

"Hopefully the actions taken will make people think twice about trashing their own city and following a bad example.”

Hampshire police say there has been no evidence of any civil unrest in the county.

There was a 'gathering' of around 20 youths in Mandela Way, Southampton, shortly after 10.30pm last night, reported to be riding around on bikes with masks on their faces and causing a nuisance.

These were quickly dispersed by police officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Manners, commander for the policing response to any potential disorder for the constabulary, said: “Across the county, we deal with this type of incident week in, week out. But this kind of antisocial behaviour is never welcome in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, and for youths – many of whom appear to be barely teenagers – to use the civil unrest in London and other parts of the country as an excuse to behave this way is totally unacceptable.

“Our message to young people who think that it is harmless fun to copy what they’re seeing on the television and throw stones at cars and police officers or cause damage is that it won’t be tolerated.

"We have an active police presence in our communities, with increased numbers of officers on the streets across the two counties, you will be arrested and subject to criminal prosecution.

“We are working with our partners in the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that anyone who is arrested is quickly charged and brought to court to face the consequences of their actions.

“We urge parents who know their youngsters may be disappearing out in the evenings and you may suspect are getting involved in this sort of antisocial behaviour – speak to your children. Find out where they are going, if appropriate, keep them in."