TWO police officers were injured and six people arrested after a birthday party erupted into chaos in Essex on Saturday.

TWO police officers were injured and six people arrested after a birthday party erupted into chaos in Essex on Saturday.

Police were called to the 18th birthday party, being held at Witham Football Club, after a brawl began outside the venue in Spa Road just before midnight.

But despite their presence the violence continued and an urgent call for assistance was made, to which several other police patrol cars responded.

One 17-year-old, one 18-year-old, two 21-year-olds, a 41-year-old and a 44-year-old - all from Witham - were arrested at the scene on suspicion of violent disorder.

Officers reported that other members of the public were also injured in the fracas although no formal complaints have been made.

One officer suffered an injured knee and another an injured eye. Neither of these injuries were serious, a police spokeswoman said.