Over 20 people from Germany have been arrested over a mass brawl in Liverpool city centre.
Police initially detained four people on public order offences in the Concert Square area following reports of fighthing at just after 11.20pm on Wednesday.
A man is in hospital receiving treatment for a head injury suffered during the incident but his condition is currently described as critical.
Mobile phone footage showed chairs and bottles being thrown between revellers that were sparring with door staff at the popular city centre nightspot.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that two local men, aged 23 from Walton and a 28-year-old from Toxteth, were arrested on suspicion of public order offences.
So that’s why the police are in town, madness that #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/kykM3v5dCw
— Daniel Connor (@DannyRConnor) November 23, 2017
The force revealed that eight German nationals aged 25, 27, 27, 28, 31, 31, 34 and 50 were also detained as part of their investigation into the trouble.
In excess of 20 people from the country were arrested on Thursday afternoon for breach of the peace in connection with the original incident.
Officers attended the junction of Cook Street and North John Street and took the men to police stations in Merseyside for interviewing.
Superintendent Mark Morgan said: “A large group of people were involved in this incident of disorder last night, and we are working to establish exactly why it happened.
“We are keen for anyone with information on this incident to come forward and speak to police, or Crimestoppers.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have filmed the incident on a camera phone.
“We will take strong action against anyone who risks the good reputation our city centre has, and bring people responsible for incidents such as this to justice.
“We will continue to work hard with our partners to ensure the city remains a safe place, with a good reputation which encourages people to continue to enjoy what the city has to offer.
“Our primary aim is to protect the public and ensure they have a night out in a safe environment.”
CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting incident reference 0517299709 or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
It has been claimed that violence was connected to football fans in the city for Everton’s Europa League game with Italian side Atalanta.