more than two days without charging them and without an explanation, lawyer Mr. Michael Mello complained yesterday.

Coming before Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis prior to the regular plea court session, Mr. Mello said his client had missed two days of school since his arrest on Tuesday morning.

And he begged the court to intervene and "have a prosecutor look into this matter.'' "He's missing exams and this is disrupting his life,'' Mr. Mello said without releasing the youth's name. "I believe he was arrested in relation to stolen bike parts and was told he's being held because he may warn his friends.'' But, Mr. Mello said, he spoke to "almost every superintendent'' and was unable to receive any answers.

"Police seem to be abusing or misusing their authority. They are being extremely excessive with these young boys,'' Mr. Mello said, adding that there was one sergeant involved who refused to listen to anyone.

"I hit a brick wall at the Police Station and found nowhere else to go but to come to court this morning,'' he said. "In the past the court has ordered the prosecutor to look into the matter.'' Mr. Francis said while he could not order the prosecutor to look into the incident, he could and did request that this be done.

"I'm sure as a result of your appearance here and my request something will come of it,'' he said.

Police later confirmed that five youths were arrested in connection with "a very large number of stolen cycle parts.'' "None of them have been charged,'' Police spokeswoman Sgt. Andrea Browne said. "Two have been placed on Police bail, including Mr. Mello's client.

"Three youths are still in custody while inquiries are continuing.'' Sgt. Browne said senior officers did speak to Mr. Mello "but not to his satisfaction.''