Several people, police injured in huge brawl in Germany

A mass brawl involving around 80 people that broke out on Friday evening in the western German city of Essen left several people injured, including two police officers, reported dpa.

The altercation erupted in front of a restaurant and drew in dozens of onlookers, Essen police said. Iron bars and knives were later found at the scene.

A large contingent of officers and a helicopter were deployed, with the operation continuing into the early hours of Saturday.

Several of the wounded were taken to hospital for treatment. Police said they did not have an exact number of injured people.

It was still unclear what incited the mêlée but the police believe "clan criminality" was likely behind it. The word "clan" is usually used by German law enforcement to describe groups defined by family ties and ethnic identity.

The personal details of those involved in the brawl have yet to be determined, a police spokesman said.

The police are also investigating whether there was a connection to a brawl in Castrop-Rauxel, about 30 kilometres away, which also occurred on Friday and left several people injured.