A MAN was stabbed in the chest and several others injured during a brawl between two gangs at a Burnley nightclub.

A fight broke out in XS Nightclub, Hammerton Street, in the early hours of yesterday.

Dozens of police from across East Lancashire were called to the scene at 1.45am to restore order.

They found a 32-year-old man from Burnley outside the club with a stab wound.

A 21-year-old with a serious cut to his neck and a third man from Manchester with a gashed head were also found outside as well as a number of people with minor cuts and bruises.

Officers arrested one person at the scene for violent disorder and they were taken to Burnley Police Station for questioning. The man from the Burnley area was later released on police bail.

None of the injuries were life threatening and the casualties were taken to Burnley General Hospital. They were discharged on Sunday.

The club and the street were sealed off early yesterday morning while an investigation took place.

Police would not reveal the type of weapon used, the victim's identity or the reason for the brawl, but they believe troubled flared following an argument between two groups in XS.

Officers were continuing inquiries today and expect to make more arrests.

Inspector Simon Hayes said: "On arrival officers found a large scale disturbance taking place inside the club.

"There were several hundred people in the vicinity of the club and numerous patrols from across the area attended to restore order and secure evidence."

The club, formerly Mount Pleasant Chapel, has become one of the biggest attractions on Burnley's night scene since opening nearly two years ago.

It has attracted some of the country's best-known DJs, and has a capacity of around 2,000 people.

It caters mainly for people into Trance and House dance music, and regularly boasts being full to capacity.

Anyone with information about the incident should ring Burnley CID on 01282 472144.