A MASS brawl broke out behind nightclubs in Southampton city centre.

Police have launched a hunt following the fight in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Emergency services were called to the large scale fight between 2am and 2.50am in Vernon Walk.

They are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with information to help them with their investigation.

The incident happened behind clubs on Vernon Walk which boasts a selection of clubs including the Buddha Lounge, Orange Rooms and Tokyo.

Resident Mike Webbe-Wood, 23, said: “I was out clubbing with friends and was walking home just before 3am when I saw a riot van outside the Buddha Lounge.

“There were around five police officers and several men were being searched.”

Matt Austin a barman from the nearby Cricketers Arms said: “I was working late when I saw an ambulance rush past the pub.

“When I walked home via the clubs it was quite rowdy and there was a group of people squaring up to each other.”

Three men have now been arrested following the incident and have been questioned by police.

Two 19-year-olds from Southampton and a 24-year-old from London were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent.

Detective Constable Marzena Szyndler, said: “We can confirm that three men have been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent; two 19-year-olds from Southampton and a 24-year-old from London.

We’re appealing for information to help us establish what happened in the lead up to, during, and after the incident.

“Were you in the Vernon Walk area of Bedford Place during the early hours of this morning?

“Did you witness this incident?

“Did you see anyone running from the area?”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire police on 101.