Four men arrested after masked men 'wielding swords and knives' attacked spectators at kabaddi tournament

Police have arrested four men following an incident at a kabaddi tournament that saw 'gunshots fired' and masked men attacking each other while 'wielding swords and knives'. 

Armed police had rushed to the Derby Kabaddi grounds on Sunday afternoon following the commotion which was said to be sparked by rival gangs. 

Four men, aged 24, 28, 30 and 38, have now been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and violent disorder. 

Following the attack, four people were injured and taken to hospital and two of these have now been released. 

In a statement released after the incident, the England Kabaddi Federation (EKF) condemned the attacks. 

Armed police (pictured) rushed to a scene in Alvaston, Derbyshire on Sunday

Videos posted on Twitter showed spectators running away from the chaos

Spectators claimed they heard 'gunshots' fired at the Derbyshire sports contest on Sunday

Following the incident, four people were taken to hospital for treatment 

They said: 'EKF condemns the incident that took place yesterday at Derby Kabaddi Tournament in strongest terms possible.

'EKF understands that a fight broke out between unknown individuals in the car park which then spread as far as the entrance gates of the Kabaddi playing areas which as always was secured by 2 meter high mesh security fence. 

'However, the individuals involved did not get past the crowd barriers protecting the pitch.

While it was a horrific and terrifying incident no by stander (player, official or spectator) was in any way attacked or involved. 

'Initial unconfirmed enquiries indicate that it was a pre-arranged fight between rival gangs based in Midlands. EKF wishes to emphasise that the gangs in question do not have any links or connections with any EKF affiliated club or its members. 

'The Derby Kabaddi tournament appears to have been chosen by these gangs purely at random for reasons only they know.

'The police declared the whole area a crime scene as a result of which EKF was forced to abandon the tournament.'

Broadcast footage of the tournament from the Panjab Broadcasting Channel had shown the moment that live commentary cuts out as terrified spectators behind wire fences start running from the threat.

A group appear to be marching in unison and one man can be seen swinging around his head what appears to be a large knife or bat.

Video footage posted on Twitter also showed terrified crowds running away from what sounds like gunshots being fired.

Video footage posted on Twitter shows a man carrying what looks like a large sword in his hand

The area was swarming with police after shots were fired at the Kabaddi tournament

People could be seen screaming and stumbling over in a bid to get to their cars and flee the scene.

Police have now confirmed they are actively looking for eyewitnesses to come forward. 

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: 'We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the event as well as anyone who has any video footage.

'If you have any video footage of the event, please share it with us via the dedicated email address [email protected].

'Following the incident, a large number of vehicles remain at the site. We are keen to speak to the owners of those vehicles and would ask that they contact us as soon as possible, using any of the below methods, quoting the reference number 682 of 21 August.

'Additionally, anyone who has any information that could help with our investigation is asked to contact us using any of the below methods, quoting the reference number 739 of 20 August.'