A wedding in Bolton descended into chaos after guests started fighting during the reception.

The incident happened at Regent Hall on Thursday evening (August 24) and begins when several men approach some guests who are seated and having their dinner.

The venue would not reveal details of the incident and police said one man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

In the footage, which was shared extensively on WhatsApp over the Bank Holiday, a man approaches a seated guest, who has his back turned to him and flicks his hat.

Moments later punches are thrown and a major fight ensues with mostly middle-aged men, within the vicinity of the table, getting involved.

More punches are thrown as the man who appears to have started the fight, attacked with a pole.

A white cloth partition that separates the men from the women is torn apart as the fight spreads into the female section and tables and chairs are smashed. The fight continues with more and more people getting involved, whilst others attempt to run for cover.

Another guest grabs a pole and lashes out and later another person launches a chair and attacks a man.

Screams can heard as people try in vain to break up the fight with the apparent assailant, who is believed to started the ruckus, engulfed in bodies and now in the middle of the female area where the fighting continues.

The poor bride and groom watch on helpless as their special day descends into a brawl. Amongst all the melee, one elderly gentleman remains seated, seemingly unable or unwilling to move.

The guests are not believed to be from Bolton but a surrounding town.

The venue would not comment with any further details.

Police said officers responded to reports of a disturbance at a business in Prescott Street, Bolton, around 8.30pm on Thursday 24 August.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers were able to split up an ongoing fight and bring the situation under control.

"There were no life-changing or life-threatening injuries.

"One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. Enquiries are currently ongoing."