'Late-night street fight' in Church Road Hove

Police cars and ambulances flooded into Church Road in Hove last night after the incident.

One passerby said they saw security guards from a nearby bar involved in a brawl which spilled into the street shortly after 11pm.

UPDATE >> Four arrested over late-night street fight

Police officers blocked the road and taped off the area in the aftermath of the altercation.

Armed police also attended and it is reported that a weapon was used in the initial fight.

A passerby said: "We were driving through Church Road but stopped in traffic caused by a bus in the road.

"A large, bare-chested man and a woman were chasing what looked like a security guard around the road with scuffles taking place.

"They all returned to the mixologist bar before further security units arrived.

"After they went inside, another two men came out and stood by a car with one of them holding what appeared to be a machete of 18-24 inches in length.

"It was all quite serious and shocking to see.

"They got in their car and drove off.

"Minutes later the bare-chested man, the woman and another man were being separated by security staff.

"As a security guard took one man away past the hairdressers in Albany Villas, he collapsed on the floor holding his side and coughing heavily.

"This is when the police arrived and it became apparent that he had been quite badly injured.

"Two ambulances arrived and this person and one other were taken away."

Following the incident, forensic teams and officers could be seen investigating the scene.

After blocking off the area, they were seen looking inside the bar and on the pavement outside.

The road has since been reopened.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “At 11.20pm yesterday we were called to the Mixologist Wine Bar in Church Road, Hove, following reports of several people fighting. 

“Two people, a 29-year-old man and 26-year-old man, have received hospital treatment for injuries related to the incident.” 

Inspector David Robinson said: "This is a fast moving investigation. 

“Two people are currently under arrest and enquiries are at an early stage early stage. 

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting serial 1534 of 18/02. 

"Alternatively, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111." 

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted assault and a 30-year-old woman on suspicion of aiding and abetting assault. 

They currently remain in police custody. 

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Ambulance crews were called to reports of an assault at approximately 11.30pm yesterday in Church Road, Hove.

"Ambulance crews attended the scene and two patients were assessed and treated before being taken to hospital."

Were you affected by the disturbance? Share your story. Call 01273 021370 or email: harry.bullmore@theargus.co.uk