A STREET brawl between rival groups of youths put one 17-year-old boy in hospital and several others in trouble with the police.

Around 20 youths descended on Great Missenden train station, brandishing weapons such as sticks, for the pre-arranged brawl.

One lad from High Wycombe was taken to hospital after the fight. He was treated for a broken finger, broken knuckles and a three inch cut to his head.

The fight between rival gangs of young men happened outside the train station and spilled into Station Road just before 3.30pm last Wednesday. They were aged between 17 and 20.

Jon Drake, headteacher at the Misbourne School, confirmed two of his pupils were involved. He said: "We have kept in touch with the police about this.

"We have spoken to two pupils and followed the normal course of action that the school would take.

"In all these situations, if we feel that the student's behaviour has brought the school's reputation into disrepute then we will follow the normal disciplinary procedures."

He added: "We are certainly trying to support the police. We have held assemblies and spent tutor time reassuring them that they are perfectly safe."

PC Lucy Emerson, investigating officer, said: "This was not a spur of the moment altercation. I am led to believe it was a pre-arranged fight by nature of the fact that some of the youths involved arrived in cars and were in possession of sticks and other items which they used as weapons."

The fight lasted for ten minutes and ended with half the youths jumping back into their cars and driving away.

PC Emerson added: "As this took place close to the station and shopping area of the town during quite a busy time of the day, when many pupils of nearby schools were leaving for the day, there are potentially many witnesses who we have yet to speak to and who may be able to assist in the investigation of this incident.

"We are keen to find out why this fight broke out and who was involved, and put measures into place to ensure any ongoing animosity between these groups of young people is brought to a satisfactory conclusion."

Police patrols have been increased around schools in the Great Missenden area during the past week to reassure any pupils and residents in the area who may have had concerns and fears following the incident.

Contact 08458 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111