POLICE were called to a boxing match in Chippenham after spectators invaded the ring.

Security had to escort fighter Paul Bunney to a place of safety when more than 20 angry people from the crowd stormed the ring after he knocked out John Belcher.

About 800 people turned out to watch the sold out Hell’s Gate Inferno event at the Olympiad on Saturday night.

The disorder came after a match between Paul Bunney from Swindon and John Belcher from Chippenham, who trains at Spartans Gym, and works as a doorman at E11evn nightclub.

Bunney, 34, from Swindon, said: “They’re saying that I hit him after the ref split us up, but I didn’t.”

He had not had a chance to speak to Belcher since the incident, but said: “I would like to shake his hand. Boxing stays in the ring.”

Sergeant Phil Connor of Wiltshire Police said: “Police received a call with concerns about the level of intoxication of those attending and received reports of minor disorder. A group of spectators decided to get into the ring and intervene and had to be removed by security staff.

“I was very concerned about the high level of intoxication. There were in excess of 800 people in attendance and a significant number were clearly intoxicated. The two bar areas were inundated.

“We spoke to every member of bar staff and reminded them of the legislation of serving drunk people and the manager agreed to close the bar at 10.15pm. There were no further calls following intervention.”

It was an eventful end to Bunney’s boxing career. He had decided it would be his last fight so he could spend more time with his fiancée and three-year-old son. He is still awaiting a decision by World Combat Arts on the match result.

Also competing on Saturday was Chippenham’s Ben Heap, 24, who defeated Calne’s ex-pro Chris Long, 34, to claim the WCA Professional British Middleweight title.

Mr Belcher was not available for comment.