THREE men were rushed to hospital with serious facial wounds after an armed brawl at Alford Sports and Social Club that erupted as traveller families celebrated a christening.

Witnesses have reported weapons including an axe and knife being taken to the club after a fight began in an upstairs bar in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Three men - aged 29, 31 and 27 - were taken to hospital with deep cuts to their face, and it is believed at least one of the victims was hit in the face with the axe.

Six arrests were made by police. 

One victim suffered a laceration to the arm, also thought to be caused by a weapon, and went to Warrington Hospital.

A man with a head injury was rushed to Whiston Hospital, according to the North West Ambulance Service.

A function room in the upstairs of the club on Manchester Road had been booked for around 50 guests from the traveller community for a christening.

According to reports, a scuffle between two men started at the bar, which had been closed for service, with one punching the other in the back of the head.

A brawl ensued, with the fracas continuing down the stairway.

Other travellers joining the fight then brought weapons to the social club.

At other times it is home to a snooker team, and square dancing classes for pensioners.

Neighbours reported seeing police cars speed to the address.

Three ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the incident at 12.13am.

On Saturday, staff were cleaning blood from the carpet of the function room.

Officials at Alford Social Club were not willing to give details of the incident, but provided a statement.

They said: “A booking was taken on the 5th October in good faith.

“The clients paid for the event at the time of the booking.

“It was for a christening on the 10th October.

“The event went well and initially there were no problems.

“An incident occurred after midnight and the police were involved.

“The police response was magnificent.

“They were here in ten minutes and cleared the place.

“No staff were involved or injured in any way.

“Police officers came back the following morning to take forensic evidence.

“We have no further comment to make while the police investigation is ongoing.”

Six men arrested on suspicion of affray following the incident have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Det Insp Matt Durcan said: “We are appealing to anyone with any information about the incident to come forward or anyone who was in the area at the time and has seen anything significant to get in touch.

“At this stage this appears to be an isolated incident however we have stepped up patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 5 of October 11.