Answer:
But for the timely arrival/ intervention of the law enforcement agencies, there would have been a clash between the two communities.
Explanation:
In the given statement, the idea is that there was a possible clash between the two communities. But this confrontation was evidently thwarted by the enforcement agencies who managed to prevent the scene from unfolding into a huge brawl.
The use of the word "but for the ....." is meant to suggest "if not for ..." It is another way or form of saying "had not the enforcement agencies arrived on time".
Thus, the full statement will be "but for the timely arrival/ intervention of the law enforcement agencies, there would have been a clash between the two communities".
