Fight breaks out on Channel ferry

A group of men from a Lewes company were on a works outing when violence broke out on the Cote d'Albatre on Saturday night.

Police said the men had been drinking for much of the day and were joined by another man who had also been drinking.

A fight broke out within the group and the captain of the Transmanche ferry called the police at 9.30pm.

Police were waiting for the vessel when it docked and boarded before any passengers were allowed to leave,

PC Matt Holt, of Newhaven Police, said: 'The incident was dealt with very well by the captain and his crew.

'They did a fantastic job in separating them and were very helpful with our inquiry.'

The men, one from London and three from the Polegate and Lewes areas, received injuries with the worst two left with black eyes and bloody noses.

All four were arrested for affray, taken to Brighton custody centre and then bailed while further inquires take place.

A spokesman for Transmanche said: 'Newhaven staff were following procedures for safety reasons and the police thanked them for their assistance afterwards.'