Football authorities have launched an inquiry after a supporter ran on to the pitch at a park match and started attacking players with a mallet.

The top-of-table clash between Harbour View and Brighton Rangers in Brighton League Division One at Stanmer Park was abandoned with three minutes to go.

Referee Alan Scott blew the whistle and ran from the pitch, fearing he would be assaulted. His report is now being studied by the Sussex FA.

Mr Scott said: "There was a tackle by a Harbour View player and I was going to caution him. The linesman then called me over and said an angry spectator had gone to get something from his van."

He was forced to abandon the game when the spectator rushed on to the pitch, waving the mallet.

Mr Scott said: "I left immediately afterwards. I reversed out of the car park because there was a mele going on in front of me and I changed my boots later on.

"I have never experienced anything like this and I do not want to again. I've seriously thought about changing leagues, but I am no quitter and intend to stay with the Brighton League."

Martyn King, a qualified referee, was watching the match and witnessed the incident.

He said: "It was absolutely awful and totally out of control. I've never seen anything like it.

"An angry spectator went to his van, got his mallet and went about individually threatening players.

"Then other players and fans got involved. There was blood everywhere. Some players fled on to the dual carriageway to get away."

Chief executive Ken Benham said the Sussex FA viewed seriously any form of violence at any level of football.

He said: "Violence is beginning to spill over into football. If it's proven then we will have to make an example.

"We can charge individuals if they are found to be part of a club and we can impose heavy fines, suspensions and we could even withdraw the club's affiliation with us."

Rangers are currently top of Division One and five points clear of their nearest rivals - Harbour View.