SOUTHAMPTON'S police have been praised after a gang of men armed with knives, bats and machetes were seen fighting.

Police were called to an incident outside Orchard House, Orchard Lane in Holyrood Estate at around 2pm yesterday afternoon.

Officers received reports that a group of males were fighting with knives, bats and machetes.

A dog was also seen at the scene of the incident.

One man has been taken to hospital and six men have been arrested and remain in police custody.

Police instigating the incident have been met with praise from a Southampton MP, but he said that there is "only so much" the force can do.

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "Once again we are seeing drug related violence on our streets.

"The police are doing a fantastic job trying to keep us safe but there is only so much they can do.

"I cannot repeat this often enough. Drugs don’t arrive by post. If you use them you are part of the problem."

A 20-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug, violent disorder and section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent to resist/prevent arrest.

A 21-year-old man, 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, all from Southampton, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

A 27-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of causing section 18 grievous bodily ham with intent to resist/prevent arrest.

A 28-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour with intent to cause fear of/provoke unlawful violence.

Police remain on the scene and have cordoned off a huge area of the estate.

Now, officers investigating are appealing for information.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses following a public order incident outside of Orchard House, Orchard Lane this afternoon.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard anything that may assist our enquiries.

"We’d also like to hear from anyone with CCTV/dashcam or Ring Doorbell footage from the area at the time.

"Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44210117644.

"Alternatively, you can phone Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111."