Police have revealed how officers were forced to protect an injured victim during a gang fight outside a Canvey nightclub.

An officer was called to Kings Club on the island and found a youngster suffering from a wound to the side of his face.

While the police officer tried to give first aid, around 40 youngsters gathered and a fight broke out, apparently between rival Canvey and Benfleet gangs.

The officer who was stuck in the middle of the fracas quickly called for assistance and the police who arrived were forced to draw their batons in order to break up the fighting.

Chief Inspector Dave King from Rayleigh said: "Officers had to draw their batons and four other officers had to protect the injured person and themselves in the middle of the fighting."

The injured youngster was taken to hospital for treatment. Nobody was arrested as a result of the incident.

Anyone who has information about the fight on Saturday night should contact Rayleigh crime management unit on 01268 775533 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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