POLICE have launched an investigation after two fights broke out at Bridport pubs in the early hours of Sunday, July 16.

At around 2.45am, a fight started in the Beach and Barnicott in South Street when a man was headbutted by another man.

A spokeswoman from Bridport police, said: "The victim of the attack was then led out to the street by door staff and the fight continued outside in the street in front of the town hall building, where the victim was assaulted by four men, one of which was the man who head-butted him in the pub.

"The victim sustained cuts and bruises to his face and body."

At around 1.44am, officers were called to The Greyhound in East Street when a fight involving a number of people throwing glass and bottles.

More than 30 licensed premises have signed up to the Bridport and area Pubwatch scheme, working closely with Dorset Police to reduce crime and disorder. The scheme is made up of a mixture of independent pubs, restaurants and brewery owned premises from the areas Bridport, Beaminster, West Bay, Burton Bradstock and Chideock.

There are currently 45 people banned from premises with a mixture of short and medium terms bans. Some repeat offenders are subject to court orders, which can in some cases last up to five years.

PC Scott McGregor of Bridport police, said: "As the summer season events are taking place and member premises within the scheme will report behaviour of anyone who engages in acts of violence, threatens or puts another in fear of violence or is suspected of the misuse of drugs or other anti-social acts.

"At regular meetings, the behaviour is discussed and they are subject to a vote by all members when they meet and if appropriate can be warned or banned from all Pubwatch premises to protect staff and public alike.

"A ban by a Pubwatch is not a punishment for offences committed or suspected by that person, but is imposed by licensees to protect their staff and customers."