The punch-up between two rival teenage gangs, one of which was travelling to a nearby fun fair, left two girls needing hospital treatment.

Police say some of those involved used snooker balls wrapped inside socks to club their opponents around the head.
Other items which could have been used as weapons were also discovered littered around the area and on the rail tracks in the aftermath of the brawl.

It began on the platform at Shoreham railway station but spilled onto the tracks, endangering the lives of those fighting and also those of people travelling on late night trains.
Officers arrested two women, an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old, both from the Brighton area on suspicion of causing affray.

The pair were bailed to report to Worthing police station on May 17.
A spokeswoman for British Transport Police said: "It was a pretty big fight.

"It began when one group of women got off the train at Shoreham and came into contact with the other group who were waiting at the station. We don't know what sparked it at the moment."

The train arrived on the westbound platform around 10.30pm on Saturday night.

Fighting initially took place on the station but quickly spilled onto the railway line.

Two teenagers, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, who police said were from the local area, needed treatment at Worthing Hospital for their injuries which were cuts and bruising.

Both were kept in for observation overnight and released on Sunday.

It is thought the group of women who got off the train at Shoreham were heading to the fun fair being held on Adur recreation ground.

The British Transport Police spokeswoman said: "They were trespassing on the railway line during the fight.

"It appears as though one of the groups was trying to get away but were chased or followed and the fight continued."

The spokeswoman was unable to confirm whether the fight had been prearranged or was spontaneous.

British Transport Police officers from Brighton were sent to the scene and managed to break up those still fighting.

Sussex Police helicopter was also sent to the scene later in the evening and spotted some of the women still hanging around the station area.

Trains were still running in both directions as the fight ensued and there was no
disruption was caused to the railway network.

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses of the fight or anyone with information about it to contact officers on 0800406040, quoting the serial 677/12/4.

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Shoreham news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@shorehamherald.co.uk