EIGHT men were arrested following a large-scale street disturbance in Burnley which left seven people in hospital.

Police believe a dispute between two local families spilled out into Cromwell Street, Stoneyholme, at around 3pm yesterday.

Seven people needed hospital treatment for cuts, bruises and other wounds.

Paramedics were called to the terrace street at 3.25pm after a report that a number of people had been injured.

Five people were taken to Burnley General Hospital and a further two to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. None were seriously hurt.

A number of clubs were recovered by the police, who are still searching for other weapons. Several houses were searched following the incident.

Inspector Michael White, of Burnley police, said: "It appears to be a dispute between families which has escalated and ended up with some assaults taking place and a large number of people in the street. "A team of officers is being brought in to interview people but it is a complex matter and it could take some time because of the numbers involved."

At least two of those arrested were juveniles. All eight were being questioned by officers at Burnley today.

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