Police probe CCTV fight footage

An investigation into the origin of CCTV footage of street fights which appeared on the internet is being carried out by Northumbria Police.

The two films, Sunderland On CCTV and South Shields Fyts, were posted on YouTube, but have since been removed.

Both show mass brawls in public places with some victims apparently suffering serious injuries.

YouTube said it would help police with their inquiry if asked to. The source of the footage is being probed.

An inquiry into the Sunderland film by police revealed that it had been taken from official sources.

The police spokesman said: "With the Sunderland CCTV we have categorically ruled out the police or council.

"But the South Tyneside one is still under investigation and we will take action where appropriate."

'Tiny minority'

He added: "From the looks of things it is all private premises. But we just have to be certain that it is not coming from any other source because that would change the nature of the investigation."

A spokesman for YouTube said: "We are a community site used by millions of people in very positive ways.

"Sadly as with any form of communication, there is a tiny minority of people who try to break the rules.

"On YouTube, these rules prohibit content like pornography or gratuitous violence.

"When people see content that they think is inappropriate they can flag it and our staff then review it."