A MAN was left with serious facial injuries after a major disturbance in a city street.

Police were called after a large group of people were involved in a fight in Chestnut Avenue, Wonford.

The trouble flared after a group of girls were involved in an argument which turned violent and quickly escalated. Residents told police the group was armed with shovels and garden rakes as violence spilled out into the street.

A local man in his 30s suffered serious facial injuries and was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

The trouble started after a disagreement between two local families. The violence occurred near the junction with Magnolia Avenue.

Two people, a man and a girl, have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries are ongoing.

A police spokesman said: "There was a disturbance involving a large group of people.

"A violent incident occurred outside a property in Chestnut Avenue. As a result of allegations of assault, two people were taken into custody.

"One person is still sought in relation to the matter."

A 22-year-old man, from Exeter, was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and affray.

He has been released on police bail to return to Heavitree Road police station, on October 13. A 14-year-old girl, also from Exeter, was arrested on suspicion of affray.

She was given police bail to return to Heavitree Road police station on the same date as the man.

Police are also seeking another man in connection with the incident who they have not yet located.

One woman who lives in the area but asked not to be named described the incident as "worrying".

"There was a lot of shouting that I heard over the sound of the TV," she said.

"Then the police cars and ambulance arrived.

"I don't know the people involved as they are from further down the avenue, or what it was about.

"We occasionally get trouble around here. When it does happen it is a bit worrying."

She said all the people involved lived locally.

Another neighbour, who also did not want to be named, said when she got home the road had been cleared.

"We have had problems here before," she said.

"This used to be the nice end of the street. We are getting a bit fed up with it now.

"There are hoodies and druggies around here."

She said people moved in and out of the area regularly.

Another Chestnut Avenue resident said: "I heard them making a racket outside.

"I stayed out of the way. I keep my door locked."

Exeter Magistrates' Court was told of the incident yesterday during an unrelated case.

The court heard shovels and garden rakes were involved in the violence.

Beat bobbies and PCSOs have been conducting re-assurance patrols in the area and will continue to do so over the next few days.

They will be gathering information about what happened and gauging neighbours' feelings.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened at around 11pm on Saturday, is urged to contact police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111 quoting log 1083.