Five people were arrested during the early hours of Saturday when a mass brawl broke out outside The Wheatsheaf in Calne.

Fourteen police officers were called to the pub in Curzon Street after reports of a fight involving a number of people were made at around 12.30am.

Wheatsheaf landlord Mark Shurner said: “The police were really good in responding to this incident.

“I do not know who called them because it all broke out so quickly – I think a police car was passing and saw it, but within minutes there were five or six cars outside.”

Officers from Calne and Chippenham were subjected to violent threats and abusive language while attempting to control the situation, and were forced to use pepper spray to defend themselves.

Sergeant Phil Connor said: “Numerous officers were forced to use the spray when violence against them was threatened.”

Five people, including an RAF serviceman, were arrested for affray and public disorder during the brawl.

Sgt Connor said: “Those who were suitable for fixed penalties were given notices, while those with previous convictions have been charged with the offence and released on bail.”

Police hope the incident will reinforce the importance of the town’s Pub Watch Scheme, which can ban trouble-makers from pubs and bars.

“This is an example of the sort of disorder which is quite clearly linked to licensed premises,” Sgt Connor said. “And this is why I hold the Pub Watch Scheme in such high regard and importance.

“All the people involved will be subject to a Pub Watch ban, and I expect the full support of all the members of the scheme.”

The Wheatsheaf has been registered with the Pub Watch scheme since Mr Shurner took over eight months ago.

He said: “I have been in the scheme for a while now and I think it is a good idea.

“These people will be banned for four weeks and at the next meeting we will put our views across and a decision will be made to see if they are given a longer ban.”