Rival gangs of clubbers fought a pitched battle in the streets of a County Durham town leaving one man needing plastic surgery.

The fight between rival gangs of men and women from Consett and the Highfield area of Rowlands Gill started in 70s City on Consett's Front Street before spilling on to the streets in the early hours of yesterday morning.

One Highfield man in his mid-20s needed 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 after seemingly being hit by a bottle. Two men and two women also received treatment for minor injuries.

The trouble, involving about 35 men and women, began in the club shortly before 1am. One group was escorted off the premises but when the other realised this they followed them out and the fighting resumed. In total the trouble lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes.

The disturbance involved about 35 people, both men and women but 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."

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