A MASS brawl erupted near a funfair in a popular family park.

Families were left horrified on the final day of the annual fair in Chalkwell Park as violence kicked off.

Witnesses reported dozens of people fighting, for an unknown reason, with several of those involved suffering bloody injuries.

At least three people - including two teenage boys - were hurt.

Dog walker Mike Midson witnessed the brawl. He said: “There were many hundreds in the crowds milling around the site.

“I thought that it might have been one of those football incidents when you get fifty of one group lining up to oppose another equally numbered. But it wasn’t that. The noise was extremely load and unpleasant.

“I was fifty metres from it but 15 minutes later when the crowds dispersed, I happened to speak to one of the boys who had been beaten badly and he was with his mother - she was taking him off to A&E as he was bleeding quite profusely.

“At least eight police officers arrived and began taking statements.” Chalkwell Park has been holding the annual fair since August 8.

Essex Police confirmed they were called to the disturbance.

But said no arrests had been made so far.

The spokesman added: “Officers carried out a search and identified three victims – two 15-year-old boys and a 31-year-old man. One of the boys reported being kicked and punched. He was taken to hospital with swelling to his jaw and eye. A small amount of money was also taken from him. “A 31-year-old man suffered a cut to his face. The other boy declined medical treatment.”

Enquiries are ongoing.

Witnesses are asked to call Southend CID on 101 quoting reference 42/132362/19.”