FIVE people were arrested by police and a firearm was seized after a series of violent clashes erupted in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Trouble allegedly involving feuding families flared shortly after 2am in Parr. Fighting broke out between groups of men, during which one victim was stabbed in the face with a bayonet.

Vehicles were also allegedly driven deliberately into other cars.

Nine emergency calls were made to police from members of the public worried about the disturbances and officers in St Helens classed the running battle as a critical incident.

Later in the day a specially assembled squad of officers from across the Merseyside region, headed by St Helens’ new area commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Armitt, launched an operation centring on the travellers site off Berrys Lane in Parr.

They arrested five suspects, three of whom were later charged in connection with public order offences.

Officers also seized a cache of weapons, including a firearm, machetes and swords.

Three caravans and eight vehicles were also seized.

It is unclear how many people were injured during the clashes, though it is understood several were taken to hospital.

Police investigations are continuing.