Seven football fans held over brawl outside Brighton pub

Seven football fans have been arrested after a violent brawl outside a Brighton pub.

The fight between two groups of men happened outside the Railway Bell pub in Surrey Street, Brighton, opposite the station, at about 7pm on Saturday 4 May last year.

It happened just hours after Brighton and Hove Albion had played Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Amex Stadium in Falmer. Sussex Police said that the match – and the afternoon – had passed without incident.

The force added that a local man suffered a broken nose and bruised face in the brawl.

All seven of the men who have been detained are from the West Midlands area. They are 18, 23, 25, 26, 27, 44 and 46 years old.

They were arrested almost two weeks ago – on Wednesday 27 May – by West Midlands Police officers working with colleagues from Sussex Police.

The men were held on suspicion of violent disorder. The 26-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).

After they were interviewed the men were released on police bail until Thursday 31 July while inquiries continue.

Officers are still keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information.

PC Andy Newman, of Sussex Police, said: “If you can help, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone the force on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.