A MAN was taken to hospital and two people arrested after a bar brawl broke out at closing-time in a Darlington pub.

The injured man, who is in his mid-40s and from the town, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with a broken collarbone and cuts and bruises after the fight on Saturday night at the Shuttle and Loom, in Whinfield Road. He was kept in overnight.

Yesterday, Darlington police appealed for any more witnesses to come forward, as they try to work out what led up to the fight, which broke out shortly before midnight.

Up to 15 people became involved in the dispute. Glasses were smashed and a chair was damaged.

A man, aged in his late 30s and a woman, in her mid 20s, both from Darlington, were arrested by police and held in the cells overnight. They were arrested for public order offences and bailed yesterday pending further inquiries.

The pub's relief manager, Roz Don, said that fights in the Shuttle and Loom, especially on this scale, were rare.

"We think about 15 people were involved but we are still trying to work out how it started.

"It happened as last orders were called. There were about 30 people in the bar and 15 in the lounge," she said.

The pub is co-operating with the police and has provided the names of regulars who may have been in the bar at the time and may be able to help. The injured man has been in the pub a few times, but is not a regular.

Acting Detective Sergeant Bridie Kinnane, of Darlington police, said: "We are looking for anybody else who may be able to assist, it sounds like the pub was quite full.

"At least one person was involved in the assault, but there may have been two fights, we don't know what happened elsewhere."

Anyone who can help the police with their inquiries is asked to contact Act Det Sgt Kinnane via 0845 60 60 365.