FIVE Ipswich police officers were today injured in a mass brawl which one eye-witness described as one of the worst fights he had ever seen.It is believed a fight broke out between 30 or 40 men in the car park outside Liquid nightclub in Cardinal Park just before 2.

FIVE Ipswich police officers were today injured in a mass brawl which one eye-witness described as one of the worst fights he had ever seen.

It is believed a fight broke out between 30 or 40 men in the car park outside Liquid nightclub in Cardinal Park just before 2.20am.

The injured officers, who include both male and female officers, were kicked and punched in the head and stomach, as they tried to quell the violence.

A man who witness the fight said: "It was the biggest, most horrific fight I have seen down here.

"There were about 30 or 40 white and black blokes fighting like cat and dog.

"The police helicopter came down and the police dogs were barking like mad.

"All over the place police were getting knocked about. A woman police officer was punched in the face.

"Quite a few cars were damaged – I'd reckon about 11.

"At one point a group surrounded one copper and beat him.

"In all there were 30 or 40 police vehicles here and I saw up to 20 arrests."

The witness added that he heard racist abuse being hurled as the warring factions attacked each other.

However a spokeswoman for Ipswich police today said the fight was not being investigated as a racist incident.

The punch-up is believed to have started after two youths were seen messing about in the car park.

Following the brawl the club police arrested three men.

The suspects aged, 18, 19 and 21, who are all from Ipswich, were arrested for being drunk and disorderly, assaulting police and using threatening behaviour. The trio have been detained at Ipswich Police Station for questioning.

The assaulted police officers have been examined by the force surgeon and their injuries are not serious.

Chief Inspector John Fletcher, Ipswich Sector Commander said: "I would appeal to any witnesses or anyone who was present to come forward with any information they may have in connection with this incident."

"I am proud of all the officers who dealt with last nights incident as they all displayed a great deal of courage and commitment in extremely violent and difficult circumstances, it is only good fortune that their injuries are not serious.

"Great progress has been made over the past two years through the Nightsafe Ipswich initiative which has included positive high profile policing including the development of the Town Centre Unit and greater partnership working with pubs and clubs. The result has been a huge reduction in the number of serious incidents of disorder in Ipswich town centre."

"Fortunately, incidents such as this are now rare and we will be conducting a full investigation including the viewing of CCTV footage, as cameras comprehensively cover the Cardinal Park area."

Anybody with information regarding this incident should contact Ipswich CID on 01473 383133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.