A STREET battle between two gangs ended up with a young man being hit over the head with a hammer-like weapon.

The fight took place outside the Alldays store on The Parade, Bourne End, on Sunday just before 4pm.

Police say the incident happened between two groups of local youths, one from Bourne End and one from Cookham and one person was seriously injured after being hit with a heavy object.

The offenders were aged between 18 and 25 and all ran off in different directions when the chaos ended.

Community PC Barry Feltwell said The Parade was quite busy at the time and there were a lot of people upset by the incident.

He added: "I should think the people that witnessed this would be quite shocked. We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

Five people were arrested in connection with the fight and were later released on police bail.

The incident has shocked local residents and they say the problems in Bourne End are just getting more intense.

One resident, who has lived in Bourne End for 22 years and did not wished to be named, said: "It is scary. It's just getting worse and worse.

"This incident has been the most serious but there are other problems in Bourne End and they are getting more serious and more frequent."

Vandalism, intimidation and litter have become a growing problem for the residents and businesses in the village, especially in the Wakeman Road area.

Wooburn Parish Council has budgeted for £10,000 for the improvement of youth facilities to tackle the problems.

A number of meetings between representatives from the local authorities, local businesses and youngsters have been held to discuss the problems and to think of solutions.

One of these measures is a "passive" CCTV system which will monitor the area.

A further meeting is planned for June 19.

Anyone who witnessed the incident on Sunday or who has any information should contact Marlow police on (01628) 816920