[TELEGRAPH.CO.UK] Cops were called to Holy Cross Church in St Helens, Merseyside, on Saturday evening following reports that the men were brawling inside.
One eyewitness said: "There looked to be around 40 of them running riot.
"Police had to stop the mass because they were fighting. Quite a few elderly people were upset. The men seemed to be speaking a foreign language.
"Most of the elderly people went out through a side door, while the fighting carried on in Parade Street."
Police found one man with a cut to his head, but he refused medical attention.
They confirmed there were around 30 people involved in the disturbance, but insisted that only two were actually fighting during mass, which was led by Father Colin Fealey.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "This must have been very upsetting for the other people inside the church at the time. Obviously this type of behaviour inside a church is totally unacceptable and we are continuing to work to trace those responsible."
A statement from the Archdiocese of Liverpool read: "Towards the end of the 6.45pm mass at Holy Cross Church on Saturday, Feb 23 an incident took place which led to the involvement of the police. As those involved were not parishioners or regular members of the congregation, we are unable to comment further." |