Arrests follow mass brawl on P&O Britannia, six injured
An investigation has been launched after six people were hurt in a mass brawl on P&O Cruises’ Britannia.
The incident occurred as the ship sailed home to Southampton following a week-long trip to the Norwegian fjords.
A 43-year-old man and a woman, 41, both from Essex, were arrested on suspicion of assault.
They have since been released but remain under investigation.
Plates and furniture were reportedly thrown during the brawl in the early hours of Friday, 12 hours after the ship had left Bergen in Norway.
Good Morning Britain chief correspondent Richard Gaisford, left, who was on board, said the violence occurred after a black-tie event that evening, which followed an afternoon of partying on deck.
In a Twitter post, he wrote: "Witnesses told me they were so frightened they had to hide, as family groups fought."
Those involved in the fighting were allegedly confined to their cabins until the ship docked in Southampton, where the police were waiting.
Gaisford told news reporters that he had been told by a witness the incident was sparked by a passenger taking offence at another holidaymaker dressed as a clown when they had specifically requested a cruise with no fancy dress.
However, P&O denied there was someone dressed as a clown on the ship.
Hampshire Police said its officers attended the ship when it docked in Southampton.
A police spokeswoman said three men and three women were assaulted, with their injuries including significant bruising and cuts.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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