More than 70 RCMP officers have been sent to Grand Manan after police learned there could be another riot on the New Brunswick island.

No rioting took place Tuesday night, but RCMP spokesman Kevin Jackson says the officers will stay for the time being to make sure no one gets hurt and that property doesn't get damaged.

"When the threat level goes down, then they'll be able to move off the island," he said. "They're there for an indefinite period of time, and they're there to support the community."

Four RCMP officers are normally stationed on Grand Manan.

On July 22, a group of about 40 residents burned a house to the ground in the island community of Castalia and beat the occupants.

The riot was blamed on vigilantes — reportedly armed with guns, knives and baseball bats — who were allegedly responding to reports that drugs were being sold in the house.

Several shots were fired at a car but the driver was not hurt. Four male residents of the home were badly beaten, and a woman was escorted off the island for her own safety. Several other people suffered minor injuries.

The atmosphere has become tense since then, prompting the RCMP to increase its presence.

RCMP to host meeting to address resident concerns

On Wednesday night, the force will host a town hall meeting at the local high school. Jackson says it will give islanders an opportunity to speak to police and discuss the issues that led to the riot last month.

The mayor of Grand Manan says the extra police presence on the island has people worked up. He said some people are upset about the way police went about arresting two people charged in connection with the riot.

They're also questioning why the drug problem on the island wasn't dealt with sooner. Green is asking people to keep their cool until the meeting Wednesday night.

"Let's listen to the information they have," he said. "Let's ask some questions."

Jackson said they will play videotaped messages from two men charged with weapons offences in relation to the riot.