Four men have been arrested after a pub brawl spilled out onto the street.

Police rushed to the Three Fishes Pub in Chapel Road, Worthing, around 6.35pm on Sunday, April 22 after reports of a fight at the Wetherspoon-owned pub near Worthing's High Street. 

The fracas started after a verbal altercation between two groups, which then became violent and spilling out on to the street. 

The pub said a staff member was hit in the melee, and a man has been accused of assaulting a police officer.

A 36-year-old man from Worthing and a 27-year-old man from Billingshurst were arrested on suspicion of affray and both have since been released under investigation.

A 51-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of affray. 

A 25-year-old man from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a constable in the execution of his or her duty.

The two latter men remain in custody.

Punters were shocked as they watched seven police cars and a van turn up. 

One man, 66, who runs a business nearby and did not want to be named, said: "I was at a show at the Connaught Theatre last night and when I went round the corner to the pub there were four police cars outside the pub.

"I caught the tail end of it.

"During the day it is quiet on Chapel Road, but in the evening it can be dodgy. 

"We have had windows broken in the past."

Sussex Police said the investigation into the fracas was ongoing.

A spokesman for Wetherspoon, Eddie Gershon, said: “We can confirm that an altercation occurred in the pub involving five customers.

“The police were called and arrests made.

“One of our staff members was hit, but fortunately has recovered.

“The Three Fishes is a well-run pub with a loyal customer base.

“This incident was regrettable and we will assist the police in any way we can.”

If anyone witnessed the assault they can report it online or by call 101 quoting reference 1042 of 22/04. 

Alternatively, they can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.