POLICE were called to a boxing promotion at Thurrock's Civic Hall on Saturday - where blows were being exchanged outside the ring instead of in it and three people required treatment at hospital for injuires.

Local people have reported that stabbing took place in the incident, though this has not been confirmed by Essex Police.

A probe into what happened is now being carried out by the force who have called for witnesses to speak up..

A police statement says: "We were called to reports of an assault in Blackshots Lane, Grays, shortly after 10.10pm on Saturday, 14 October.

"Officers were on the scene within minutes and found three people had suffered injuries. They were treated at hospital for injuries which are not life-threatening or life-changing.

"Our investigation into this incident is ongoing.

"If you have any information please contact us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."