Six stabbed in fight at wedding reception

Six people suffered stab wounds when a fight at a wedding reception developed into a mass brawl.

Travellers from across the country had descended on the Holiday Inn in Reading, Berkshire, and festivities were in full flow when the violence erupted.

Thames Valley Police said the fighting spilt out into adjoining streets and involved up to 100 of the guests.

A 16-year-old youth and five men ­ one aged 40 and the rest in their 30s ­ all needed treatment for their wounds at the town's Royal Berkshire Hospital. A 26-year-old man was subsequently arrested by police and was being interviewed by detectives in Surrey in connection with the stabbings.

A police spokesman said fighting broke out at 11.25pm on Saturday. "Detectives are particularly keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone who saw a black BMW leave the hotel shortly after the fight broke-out," he added.

The car was seen at a travellers' camp before being found abandoned in the village of Arborfield.

Nick Campbell, the hotel manager, said nothing took place inside the premises and there was no damage caused.