5 arrested after group home fight; 4 staff hurt

AMHERST — Four staff members at a Buffalo-area home for troubled youths are nursing injuries after trying to break up a fight involving about 10 teenagers.

Five young people were arrested.

Amherst police tell The Buffalo News the fight happened about 1 a.m. Tuesday at the Gateway-Longview agency following a day of escalating tensions.

The injured staff members were evaluated by ambulance crews at the scene. Police say they suffered bruises, scratches and thumb and shoulder injuries.

Police arrested three 16-year-old boys on charges of criminal contempt and assault. Two 13-year-old boys also were charged.

The agency provides residential and foster care and other services to families of troubled children and young people between the ages of nine and 21.