SIX TEENAGERS are in custody tonight following a brawl in East Oxford.

Police said up to 30 teenagers were involved in the disturbance in Cowley Road last night.

Fourteen officers and a riot van were called when door staff at The Regal nightclub alerted them to the brawl, which involved two rival groups. Some were carrying pieces of wood.

Passersby spoke of ‘pandemonium’ in the road as teenagers with sticks ran between cars while being chased by police.

A 14-year-old, a 16-year-old, three 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old were all arrested for affray, with two of the 17-year-olds also arrested for violent disorder.

All six remained in police custody yesterday while officers questioned them. No one was injured.

Thames valley Police spokesman Daniel Donovan said: “We were called to an incident at 11.49pm outside The Regal in Cowley Road. Approximately 20 to 30 people were there and there was a disturbance.”

He added: “Some had pieces of wood.”

A 31-year-old East Oxford man said: “It was pandemonium in the road.

“People were running between cars and down the street with big sticks. The kids were running in all directions. It was absolute mayhem.

“I couldn’t figure out what was going on.

“The police sorted it out pretty sharpish though, and were pinning guys to the ground.”

Teenagers near the scene, but not involved in the fracas, said they saw a group of men get off a bus in Cowley Road and a fight break out.

A 16-year-old from East Oxford, said: “There were some people from Blackbird Leys and a gang from Cowley.

“Both gangs want to get their wanted to ‘big themselves up’.

“There was a fight. Some people were shouting racist remarks, and one guy punched another.

“It was serious and bad. People should live in harmony.”

His friend, also 16, and from Cowley Road, said: “We were standing there watching. But I wasn’t shocked as we see this all the time.”

Michael Kill, general manager of The Regal, said: “We are unaware of any issues directly linked to us.

“I know there was an incident down the road which my security kept an eye on.

“It happened away from the venue. Nothing major happened at the venue at all.”

Inspector Marc Tarbit, of Thames valley Police, said: “The message from us is that we won’t tolerate violent behaviour, and we will work with the community to identify any underlying causes.”

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk