Two men sacked for fighting at work in a row over coffee have launched a claim for unfair dismissal.

Tim Weedon and Steve Harris were wrestling on the factory floor at the Parker Pen Company, in Newhaven, during the fight last October.

Both men were sacked for misconduct and are now claiming compensation for unfair dismissal at an employment tribunal.

Mr Weedon, from Seaford, and Mr Harris, from Crawley, sat beside each other during the Brighton hearing. However, in between the proceedings they waited in separate rooms.

Both claim they were treated too harshly by the company, which employs 650 staff.

They say they were unaware it was company policy to dismiss staff who fight.

They also claim other complaints among staff of harassment and aggression did not lead to dismissals.

The tribunal heard the argument between the two men started after Mr Weedon complained Mr Harris had spilt hot coffee.

Work colleagues who witnessed the incident reported seeing punches being thrown, pushing and wrestling.

Mr Weedon reported the fight to his manager and claimed he was provoked. He admitted lashing out at Mr Harris and said he was kicked by him.

Mr Harris denied kicking Mr Weedon and maintained the coffee had been spilt by accident.

The company denied being unfair, saying the men were sacked because their behaviour was unacceptable and dangerous close to machinery.

Operations manager Mike Viggers told the hearing the company investigation concluded Mr Harris provoked the action and Mr Weedon over-reacted.

Both men were described as good workers but the tribunal heard Mr Harris had been in trouble before.

He received a warning in 1993 after an incident that led to another member of staff going to hospital.

The tribunal continues.