Three men are to appear in court accused of violent disorder after fighting allegedly broke out at a family party in Ipswich.

Police said the trio were arrested after five people were left requiring medical attention at Whitton United Football Club, one of whom was reported to have needed surgery.

The incident occurred at 12.30am on Sunday.

Initially police received reports that around 20 people were involved in a brawl at the sports club in Old Norwich Road.

Officers were told a family function had been going on at the venue during Saturday night.

Police from nearby Landmark House in Whitehouse Road attended the club, although less people appeared to be involved than were first thought.

The incident is said to have begun after a verbal disagreement.

However, it then was alleged to have escalated into a violent confrontation.

One of those injured was said to have sustained a cut to his face and ear.

Another had swelling to one of his eyes, a third had a cut to one of his eyebrows, while a fourth was reported as receiving facial injuries.

Police said a fifth man had also been hurt and needed attention from paramedics.

First aid was given at the scene and four of the injured were advised to go to hospital.

It is unclear whether they did so.

The fifth man, who sustained the cut to his face and ear, is said to have required surgery as a result of his injuries.

None of those who were injured were arrested.

However, three other men were subsequently taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre at Suffolk Constabulary’s headquarters for questioning.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said William Beaney, 20, of Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich, and 22-year-old Luke Rankin, of West Meadows, Ipswich, were charged with violent disorder on Sunday.

The third man William Harbour, 29, of Grafton Way, Ipswich, was charged with the same alleged offence yesterday.

All three were released on police bail.

They are due to make their first appearances on the charges before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich on September 17.