A fight involving 30 people with weapons, including an axe and a machete, broke out in Lye High Street.

One man, aged 26, was taken to hospital with a serious head injury following the brawl between two mobs yesterday at 10.30pm.

The man underwent surgery this morning and his condition is described as serious but stable.

Two men, aged 24 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of wounding and one man aged 24 was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

A cordon was still in place this morning running from Harry’s Bangladeshi restaurant, AJs takeaway and an empty antiques shop opposite Christ Church.

DI Will O’Connor, at Halesowen police station, said: “We don’t yet know the cause of the disorder. There is nothing to suggest it was gang related.”