A man has been rushed to hospital after a huge fight broke out between 'two groups of customers' at a popular pub.
Police taped off the Eccles Cross, opposite Eccles tram stop, for several hours as officers investigated the scene this morning (March 31). The Regent Street pub, which is part of the JD Wetherspoon chain, remained closed while police carried out enquiries inside and outside the front.
Greater Manchester Police says it was called out to a disturbance involving 'around five males' after 11.20pm on Wednesday night. A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon told the Manchester Evening News the incident took place outside the Eccles Cross pub, involving 'two groups of customers'.
"Staff alerted the police and are supporting in terms of statements and CCTV," the spokesperson added. GMP says a man in his 20s was taken to hospital following the incident, and has since been discharged.
The cordon was in place as local businesses began to open up for the day and residents began their commutes into Manchester. Police had taped off the junction at College Croft, where blood was seen on the ground, as well as the main cordon outside the Eccles Cross and the Regent Fish Bar take-away next door.
Officers were searching the scene throughout the morning and crime scene investigators were gathering evidence. A manager at the Regent Fish Bar told the M.E.N.: "I've not a clue [what has happened]. I turned up this morning at 7.30am and couldn’t enter my premises.
"The police had to sign a piece of paper to let me through. They said there was a big fight last night but I thought it could be more serious with all this CSI here."
The Eccles Cross has since reopened to customers. A GMP spokesperson said: "Officers were called to a report of a disturbance involving around five males on Regent Street just after 11.20pm last night (March 30, 2022).
"A man in his 20s was injured, taken to hospital and has since been discharged. His injuries are not through to be serious.
"Enquiries are on-going and anyone with information is asked to report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
