A HUGE brawl involving more than 20 people armed with axes, knives and power tools is being investigated by police.

One man is still in hospital after being attacked with an axe following the fight on a car park off Carr Road, Nelson at 8.30pm on Monday.

Five men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

One of the men who was taken to Airedale General Hospital was released on Tuesday, but the other, a man in his 20s, was still in hospital last night.

His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A police spokesman said that both the injured men taken to hospital had sustained knife and axe blows.

An 18-year-old and a 24-year-old from Nelson were arrested on the suspicion of public order offences and possession of cannabis.

Another 24-year-old and a 20-year-old from Nelson, along with a 26-year-old man from Burnley, were also arrested on suspected public order offences.

Detectives are investigating whether the fight, which police said involved Asian members of the community, was pre-arranged.

Nelson councillor and Pendle Labour leader Mohammad Iqbal said residents had been left worried by the incident.

Coun Iqbal said: "There does seem to be a lot of suggestion that this one was organised in advance."

Detective Inspector Derek Jones said: "This appears to have been an isolated incident involving two groups of men.

"This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and where clear evidence of offences exists, people will be put before the courts.

"A full investigation is under way."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Call Nelson CID on 01282 472644 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.