Police have launched a witness appeal after two men were injured and an officer was knocked to the floor in a mass pub brawl.
Dozens were filmed taking part in the fight at The Albany Palace in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in the early hours of Sunday morning. A constable sent to break up the fight was hit in the face and pushed to the ground. One man sustained head injuries while another was left with bruises.
The incident was filmed by Tommy Arkle who described the scene as like “watching football hooligans going at each other”. He told Sky News: “I’m not sure why it started, I didn’t know what to do so I got my phone out.”
Wiltshire police are asking those with information to come forward. In a statement, a spokesman for the force said: “Shortly after 12.30am on Sunday 12 February, a large fight broke out at the bar involving several people.
“Officers went into the premises to deal with the incident and a police officer was struck [in] the face. He was knocked to the ground but fortunately did not sustain any serious injury.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Two men sustained injuries in the incident, one suffered a head injury which was dealt with by paramedics. Another sustained bruising to his face.
“Officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the bar at the time of the incident. CCTV and other inquiries are underway.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Louis McCoy at Trowbridge police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where details may be left anonymously if preferred.”
Just before the fight started, a man was asked to leave the venue and was arrested on suspicion of affray. A man has been charged with being in possession of a knife in a public place. He is due to appear before Chippenham magistrates court on 2 March.
The 10-second video clip has been watched more than 600,000 times on Facebook.
