Detectives are appealing for the public's help as they investigate the possible use of weapons during a high street brawl. 

Eyewitnesses to the incident have told the Echo around 50 people were involved in the punch-up on High Road, Benfleet. 

Bottles and chairs were allegedly thrown during the fight, which happened near to the Laila Turkish restaurant.

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident and despite finding no signs of knives being used, detectives want to speak to anyone who may have information about the brawl.

A spokesman said: "We received reports of a large scale disturbance and multiple officers attended the scene.

"We dispersed a large group of youths from the area after finding no evidence of weapons being used.

"However further enquiries reveal that there was a fight which may have involved weapons being presented and we wish to establish the full circumstances of the incident in order to ensure that any persons involved are identified and spoken to."

St Mary’s ward councillor, Russell Savage, branded the behaviour of those involved “disgraceful”, and said people in Benfleet were feeling vulnerable to crime. 

The incident happened around 11pm on Saturday, May 22. 

Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote incident number 1496 of 22/05.