Man, 19, hurt in gang fight

A gang went on the rampage with metal bars and bottles in an early morning brawl in a Shropshire town today, leaving a 19-year-old man with serious head injuries.

The attack involved a gang of six people in Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch, at about 2.20am.

Five men, in their late teens and early 20s, were being quizzed by detectives in connection with the attack this afternoon after being arrested at various addresses in the Whitchurch area.

Detectives have sealed off the area as they and uniformed officers scour the road for clues.

The teenager, believed to be from Cheshire, was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and later transferred to the University of North Staffordshire Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent.

Staff treating him today said he remained in a stable condition. He is in the high dependency unit of the hospital.

West Mercia force duty inspector Nigel Humphries said a large team of detectives were investigating and appealed for witnesses.

Inspector Humphries added: "The road is sealed off because we are protecting a crime scene.

"We would appeal for any witnesses or anybody with any information to contact police immediately."

Residents woke to discover the cordoned-off road and strong police presence.

Rob Hewson, north Shropshire district councillor for Whitchurch South, said: "I am just appalled something like this can happen to a young lad.

"I hope that the people who have done this are brought to justice. We don't want this sort of thing happening in our town."

Anybody with information should contact police on 08457 444 888.