Staff at a Wetherspoon pub had to lock it down after a huge brawl erupted on the street outside.

The incident happened earlier this evening outside The Thomas Ingoldsby in Burgate, Canterbury - with chairs and glasses being thrown between two groups of people.

During the fracas, staff locked the doors of the pub in order to keep customers and colleagues safe, while managers and door staff remained outside until police arrived.

It is understood some people were injured in the incident.

A witness reported seeing eight police cars close to the pub, and said the scary incident left some tourists in the busy city 'horrified'.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm there was an incident outside the pub, between two groups of people.

“The groups started throwing glasses and chairs at each other.

“At that stage a member of staff locked the pub in order to keep customers and staff safe, whilst the manager, door staff and two other members of management stayed outside, and called for police assistance.

“The police arrived and dealt with the incident."

The pub was re-opened.

Police have been contacted for a comment.