RIVAL groups fought a pitched battle in the streets outside a nightclub, which left one man needing plastic surgery.

The fight, which was between rival gangs of men and women from Consett and the Highfield area of Rowlands Gill, started at the 70s City nightclub, in Front Street, Consett, before spilling on to the streets in the early hours of Sunday.

One unnamed man, from Highfield, in his mid-20s, required plastic surgery at Durham City's University Hospital of North Durham after having part of his right ear bitten off.

His younger brother needed seven stitches to the back of his head. Police believe he had been hit by a bottle.

Two men and two women also received treatment for minor injuries.

The trouble, which involved about 35 men and women, began in the club shortly before 1am.

One group was escorted off the premises, but when the other spotted them leaving they followed them out and the fighting resumed.

The fighting lasted for about 20 minutes.

The gangs quickly dispersed when police arrived.

Detective Sergeant Vic Deans, of Consett CID, said: "We have not yet established what sparked off the trouble, so we need to speak to anybody else inside the club on the night who can help us piece together what happened.

"This was a major disturbance which at times was very violent. Although we have taken a number of statements, so far there have been no arrests made."

Sgt Deans later said up to 350 people were packed into the nightclub at the time of the incident. He said: "It was busy at the time, so we are sure somebody must have some information for us that can help in our inquiries. The injuries sustained in this disturbance were severe."

No one from club owners AK Leisure was available for comment last night.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Consett CID on (01207) 504204.