POLICE in Britain believe triad gangs may be trying to spread their influence beyond their traditional Chinatown areas into city suburbs following a brutal attack on a restaurant in front of diners.
Customers at a Chinese restaurant in Belsize Park, north London, watched in terror as three Chinese men swept through the restaurant, The men wrecked a reception area with a cargo hook and a crow bar and sweeping food from tables.
The attack last week is said to have been the third in north London in as many weeks, and police believe it may be linked to a crackdown on triad activities in Soho, London's traditional Chinatown.
Ironically, they believe the latest attack may be linked to one three hours earlier on a restaurant in Gerrard Street, in Chinatown involving as many as 50 Hong Kong Chinese.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said of the Soho attack: 'Ten Chinese males, part of a larger group of 30-40 gathered outside the restaurant and attempted to gain entry to the premises.
'A number were carrying chains and other weapons but the men who resisted were members of staff who, with some customers, sustained slight injury.' Two men were arrested for weapons and public order offences.