Police were yesterday questioning three people after a massive punch-up between mourners at a wake.

More than 20 police officers waded in to break up the fight after ten police cars, two dog units and a foot patrol were sent to the fracas at the Crown Hotel, in Hadleigh High Street.

The wake was being held in honour of a barmaid at the pub who died suddenly from a heart attack.

Two people were arrested at the scene and a woman was taken to Southend Hospital with a deep wound to her right eye which needed micro surgery.

Police said the fight flared after two women, who were barred from the pub, entered the premises. An argument then broke out and police were called.

Chief Insp Dave King of Rayleigh Police said: "It appears a couple of women who were barred from the pub made their way into the wake.

"When we arrived, some 20 or 30 people were involved in a fight and bottles were being used."

Three people were arrested yesterday on suspicion of being involved in a violent disorder at around 6.30pm on Monday.

They were being quizzed by detectives yesterday.

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