ALMOST 60 police used CS gas to break up a brawl at a workingmen's club yesterday.

Three officers were taken to hospital with neck and leg injuries, and 14 people were arrested after the crowd of about 70 people spilled onto the street outside the club, where a fight broke out.

Police were called to the scene, where they arrested two men, only for their friends to try to secure their release.

Officers called in help from six neighbouring areas to deal with the disturbance, which broke out in the early hours.

The fight, outside the club in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, lasted at least an hour, before dying down at 1.30am.

CS gas and batons were used, along with dog units. Officers from Cumbria Police were called, but cancelled at the last minute.

The arrests were made for a variety of public order offences.

Club staff declined to comment.

A police spokesman said: "This was an isolated incident and communities do not wish to tolerate such disorderly behaviour.

"Northumbria Police will respond and deal with those responsible effectively."