Three men have been injured and five more arrested after a mass brawl.

Emergency services descended on Boundary Road, Hove, this afternoon following the altercation between “a group of people”.

A large cordon is currently in place.

Sussex Police said three men have been taken to hospital, with two in a critical condition and another suffering minor injuries, understood to have been caused by weapons.

Five men have been arrested and have been transported to custody.

Officers are carrying out searches in the area and there will be a heightened police presence at this time.

The Argus: A police officer putting a piece of wood in an evidence containerA police officer putting a piece of wood in an evidence container (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

Police could be seen photographing the area and putting a piece of wood in an evidence container.

Witnesses said there were two groups fighting.

"It was a little bit scary to watch," said one witness.

"The police turned up about five, ten minutes later.

“One of them had blood on his face and he was holding his arm.”

They said several men were seen running off towards Portslade Station.

Paramedics could be seen in HB Barbers.

Traffic is being diverted away from the Church Road junction on Station Road while emergency services work at the scene and people have been urged to seek alternate routes.

Brighton and Hove Buses are also being diverted.

Buses are not serving Boundary Road or Glebe Villas, services are looping westbound down Olive Road and Carlton Terrace then back to Portslade Station.

Routes BH1 and BH1A are also currently being diverted using New Church Road, St Keyna Avenue and then Kingsway (A259) in both directions.

Chief Inspector Jim Smith said: “A fast-moving investigation is underway into this incident, but it is believed that all individuals involved are known to one another and there is no threat to the wider public.

“There is likely to be an increased police presence in the area for some time, and I would like to thank for the public for their patience and understanding while this is ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to report via our online form or via 101 quoting Operation Linden."