TWO people were injured as gang violence exploded outside pubs in Melksham town centre.

About 20 people were involved in fights which started outside the Navy Tavern pub in the early hours of Saturday morning and continued round to the bus stop, eventually fizzling out near Aqua Leisure in the Market Place.

Police believe the fight was between a gang of black and white youths, but do not think the brawl was racially motivated.

One person received a wrist injury and another was treated for a head injury.

Acting inspector Sarah Bodell said police had been told weapons were involved, but had no evidence to support the claims because the fight was over before officers arrived at the scene.

They are now studying CCTV footage and are appealing for witnesses to come forward and help them piece the story together.

She said: "We're trying to find out what happened and what started it off. We need the injured people or any other witnesses to come forward and report it to us and give a proper accurate account.

"It does concern us because it is unusual for something on this scale to happen in Melksham."

Anyone with information can contact Melksham Police on (01225) 703444.