Landlord Peter Thomas only took over the pub a few weeks ago

Householders woke on Tuesday to after a night which saw more than 100 police officers from three forces called in to quell trouble on the Caia Park estate in Wrexham.

Police have said the violence began as a result of animosity between asylum seekers and members of the local community.

Peter Thomas, manager of the Red Dragon pub, took over the premises only a few weeks ago, but has already asked the brewery for a transfer.

He has admitted he is too afraid to keep his family in the area and has not slept since the problems began.

The brewery have agreed to move me. I couldn't stay here. It's terrifying. I have young children who are absolutely petrified. Pub landlord Peter Thomas

Violence broke out near the pub on Sunday night. The windows had to be boarded up after missiles were thrown during the trouble.

"All this has escalated from a small fight on Sunday between non-Europeans and local lads," said Mr Thomas, 44.

"There is about �3,000 worth of damage to the pub.

"The brewery have agreed to move me. I couldn't stay here. It's terrifying. I have young children who are absolutely petrified.

"I watched last night's trouble from the roof of the pub. I saw a car being set on fire and people setting fire to bushes.

"Petrol bombs were being thrown and the police were here in full riot gear. I have never seen anything like it. There must have been more than 200 people involved.

"At one point they even started to kick in the doors of the pub. I have not slept for two days. It's absolutely terrible. I just hope it doesn't happen again."

Others in the community are dreading a repeat of the disorder.

One elderly resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I just don't understand what's happened here. People will be too scared to go out at night.

"There's never been trouble like this around here before."

Another added : "The trouble is because of tension between refugees and the local community.

" I don't know how it's come to this. "I don't have anything against anyone and just wish people would leave each other alone.

"Last night I saw people kicking the hell out of each other. There's just no need for all this violence. I just want to get out of this area now.

"My child went to school today and he is too scared to come home to the area he lives in."

Leader of Wrexham Borough Council, Shan Wilkinson, said the riots were a tragedy.

The Labour councillor added: "I'm so disappointed this has happened."

She said the trouble was a result of people being given misinformation about the refugee situation in the area.

According to Ms Wilkinson, there were about 60 or 70 refugees in the borough but in Caia Park, where the trouble flared, the number of refugees was low.

"The community leaders, police, the schools and the church need to work together to see that people get the real facts," she added.

"I don't know whether the original incident on Sunday was racist or not. Young people get involved because they get excited - it's the football hooligan mentality.

"It's important that we try to divert the young people into other activities and find other things for them to do."