TWO warring families, some alleged to be armed with sticks, clashed in Rawtenstall town centre, a jury heard.

On one side were Shofique Miah, who is in his 40s and runs the Nila restaurant in the town, and his relations.

On the other were Ishtiaq Ahmed, 25, and his cousins, Sabir Yunus, 30 and Ayaz Yunus, 39.

Ahmed, of Burnley Road, Sabir Yunus, of St James Row and Ayaz Yunus, of Schofield Road, all Rawtenstall, deny violent disorder.

The hearing was told Miah and five others, who are either his brothers or cousins, have admitted the charge.

Burnley Crown Court was told how trouble started on June 8 last year.

Ian Metcalfe, prosecuting, alleged both factions were armed with sticks or metal bars.

Part of the brawl was captured on CCTV and some was filmed on a mobile phone by an onlooker.

At about 7.50pm, Ahmed was 'chilling' in his car on Daisy Hill with partner Rebecca Gilmore.

They were approached by Miah and two others and Ahmed was assaulted.

He rang the police and went to meet them at the Shell garage.

Mr Metcalfe said an ambulance crew getting petrol examined Ahmed and told him to go to hospital.

The defendant did not go for treatment but met up with his older, bigger cousins and they went in search of Miah.

The defendants went into Ormerod Street and were met by Miah and about half a dozen of his brothers and cousins, who had metal bars.

Ayaz Yunus told Miah he would fight him one on one. Miah threw the first punch.

Weapons were passed around the Miah faction. Both the Yunus brothers were severely beaten.

Sabir Yunus was rescued by a neighbour of Miah's and his brother retreated with Ahmed into Bank Street.

They watched the continuing attack on Sabir Yunus.

The defendants were arrested and interviewed.

Ahmed claimed he had found two wooden sticks on the ground and armed himself.

He said he had not taken them to the scene and had been defending himself and his cousins.

The Yunus brothers said they had not been armed.

(Proceeding)