No-one is to face criminal charges over a street brawl in East Oxford which left one man needing eight stitches to his head.

Three people were arrested following the daytime fight at the junction of Magdalen Road and Catherine Street in January.

It was believed to be part of an ongoing feud between three families.

But following numerous bail extensions, and interviews with more than a dozen witnesses, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided not to prosecute due to "insufficient evidence".

Residents have expressed concerns about the decision.

Anthony Cheke, of nearby Hurst Street, who runs the Inner Bookshop, in Magdalen Road, said: "I'm absolutely horrified, and I think there is something funny going on. I've concerns this may happen again because in no way is it resolved."

He added he feared that someone not involved in the dispute could end up injured.

Andy Mundin,30, of Catherine Street, said: "It is bizarre that something that happens in broad daylight cannot be fully investigated and prosecuted.

"I'm concerned the skirmishes that are happening around East Oxford seem to be on the increase and could happen anywhere.

"I'm worried about innocent people getting involved or property being damaged."

Members of Oxford City Council's east area parliament branded the decision not to prosecute as "deplorable" and are writing to the CPS to ask for an explanation.

St Mary's ward city councillor Craig Simmons said: "The CPS has dropped the case, which I think is outrageous.

"I think maybe we should send a note from this community saying we are concerned and worried that an incident like this can happen on our streets with lots of witnesses and not be followed through by the CPS."

Parliament chairman Nuala Young added: "I think it is amazing and deplorable."

CPS spokesman Melanie Bloor said "There was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction."

East Oxford police Insp Brian Cooper, who earlier told the Oxford Mail the incident was linked to an ongoing feud between three families living in the area, refused to comment on the CPS's decision.

But he said: "We are moving ahead with mediation between the families involved, which is being funded by Thames Valley Police.

"We are open to any new evidence and will consider it carefully but we are hoping that all the parties will be engaged with the mediation and we will be able to resolve the community issues in that way."