STREET BRAWL: EIGHT ARRESTED

Police received reports of a large fight involving around 15 youths just after midnight on Saturday.

A local trader, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said: 'It was really frightening. There was a big group shouting, swearing and fighting.

'I know this kind of thing goes on a lot '“ maybe because they are taking something or drinking too much, but it is intimidating and almost makes me afraid to leave my house after dark.'

When police arrived on the scene the gang of brawling teens made a run for it. One youth dashed off towards the main road and into the path of an oncoming car. He escaped with minor injuries to his thumb and was treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Lewes district commander Chief Insp Bob Gough said: 'I will not tolerate disorder, particularly of this scale. My officers are reviewing CCTV evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine exactly who else was involved and I expect further arrests to be made. Residents can have confidence that those involved will be brought to justice.'

Police made three arrests at the scene. Subsequently, five youths aged between 15 and 17 have been arrested over the past week.

One teenager was charged with affray and another with affray and possession of an offensive weapon. They will appear at Lewes Youth Court in November.

One youth was given a final warning and two were released on police bail pending further inquires.

Those charged have been released on condition they do not associate with one another, observe a curfew between 9pm and 7am, and do not enter the town centre or licensed premises.

The root cause of the brawl has not yet been revealed and police are appealing for witnesses.