POLICE were called after a fight started outside a court yesterday.
Security staff at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court broke up the scuffle, which took place outside the court at about 11.30am.
It is believed the trouble started after a homeowner confronted a man accused of burgling his house.
A witness said one of the men suffered a cut lip and bruises.
Security staff were called to separate the men.
The witness said: "It was all a bit like handbags at ten paces, but one of them had a few cuts . I would not say anyone was seriously hurt."
Police arrived shortly afterwards.
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