TWO police officers were injured when they were sent to a deal with a fight in a pub.

Police were called to the Fir Tree, in Durham Road, Wingate, east Durham, shortly after 10pm on Sunday.

The fight started inside the pub and tables were overturned and glasses smashed.

By the time officers arrived, it had spilled out into an adjoining car park.

As police tried to break up the fight and make arrests, PC Julie Allen received a head injury and suffered mild concussion.

Her colleague, PC Paul Bruce, was more badly hurt when he tumbled over a low wall while struggling with one of the men involved.

Both officers were taken to Hartlepool General Hospital by ambulance and PC Bruce was detained after it was confirmed he had suffered a compound fracture of his right ankle.

PC Bruce, 31, joined the force in August last year and is still in his probationary period. PC Allen, 38, has four years service. Both are based at Peterlee.

Two men aged 28 and 29, and a woman aged 27 were arrested for public order offences.

The trio, who are all from Wingate, were last night still in custody.

Police are studying security camera footage to decide where further arrests should be made.

Inspector Vince Addison said last night: "We don't know at this stage what sparked the trouble but we hope to speak over the next couple of days to all those who were in the pub at the time.

"The injuries to PC Bruce and PC Allen only serve to highlight the risks police officers regularly face when dealing with incidents of this sort."

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on 0845 606 0365.