Police were kicked and punched as they tackled a mass brawl on Brighton seafront early today.

Three officers were injured as they tried to quell the fight outside the Honey Club in the Kings Road Arches on the Lower Esplanade.

Missiles were hurled at police from Kings Road above.

About 20 officers were called to the scene shortly after 1am. They used their batons as they quelled the disorder.

There were six arrests and at least two people went to hospital with injuries.

Police said the disturbance began inside the club and flared again outside.

A force spokesman said: "We are still trying to get to the bottom of what started it, but it appears the disturbance involved a group of men from Crawley who were on a stag night and another group which included bouncers."

The three injured officers suffered cuts and bruises but none needed hospital treatment. One was off sick today.

The disturbance lasted about 15 minutes.

The six arrested people were being held in cells at Brighton police station this morning awaiting interview.