A WOMAN police officer was headbutted during a brawl involving around 30 people in Winsford on Saturday night.

Police from all over Cheshire were called to assist Winsford officers in Cavendish Close when a violent gang fight broke out in the street.

Five people were arrested during the incident, which started just before 9pm and went on until 11.30pm.

A 38-year-old man suffered facial injuries and was detained in hospital for two days.

A police spokesman said: "Initially the police were called to a fire at a home in Cavendish Close where a 15-year-old girl suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital. It was reported to be arson.

"While the police were dealing with it a dispute broke out between neighbours and police had to call for support from other divisions because about 30 people were involved.

"A Winsford police officer, Karen Foster, was headbutted and suffered injuries and bruising to her face."

A Winsford fire spokesman commented on the disturbance.

He said: "We were called to a small fire in a kitchen and a lounge and one pump attended.

"But following the fire there was absolute bedlam. It was chaos, unbelievable.

"There was a huge gang of people involved in a fight and police had to attend to stop it."

Supt Ian Johns, of Congleton and Vale Royal Police Division, added: "In this instance we had to respond to a public order incident and we dealt with it as well as we could in the circumstances.

"It's a shame because the council and the police have been working very hard to improve the quality of life on the Greenfields Park estate.

"It got quite nasty. It was a very volatile situation."

Those arrested during the incident were:

A 21-year-old man, of Chestnut Grove, Winsford. Charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

A 16-year-old youth charged with a public order offence and bailed to appear at Northwich Magistrates' Court on October 5.

A 40-year-old Winsford man charged with obstructing a police officer and bailed to appear at Northwich Magistrates' Court on October 12.

A 44-year-old Winsford man charged with obstructing a police officer and bailed to appear at Northwich Magistrates' Court on October 4.

An 18-year-old Winsford man charged with being drunk and disorderly and bailed to appear at Northwich Magistrates' Court on October 12.

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