Terrifying CCTV footage captures the moment rival groups turn VIP area into 'war zone' at Neighbourhood bar in Leeds city centre

Terrifying scenes were captured on CCTV footage as innocent members of the public cowered in fear as heavy bottles were thrown during the large-scale brawl in Neighbourhood, on Greek Street.

Leeds Crown Court heard violence erupted after a fall out between two groups in the VIP area of the bar on March 18, 2018.

One man who was not connected to the incident was subjected to a horrific attack by four men as he tried to intervene to stop the violence.

He needed an emergency operation after being hit with bottles, punched and kicked

Members of bar staff were also injured and threatened as they tried to stop the attack.

Footage from the bar's security cameras was used to convict the defendants at a trial as all seven men were found guilty of violent disorder.

Four of the men were also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Describing the incident, Judge Neil Clark said: "It was group violence on licensed premises that was among the worst I have seen in recent years.

"It was wanton violence which occurred within seconds.

"Bottles were being picked up as weapons and glasses were being thrown."

The judge said some of those involved in the violence picked up heavy vodka bottles - some weighing around three kilograms - and used them as clubs.

Innocent people who were enjoying a night out had to cover themselves with coats to avoid being hit by flying bottles and glass.

Staff crawled along the floor to avoid injury.

Witnesses who gave evidence at the trial described the bar as being "like a war zone."

One of the defendants, Lamarr Edwards, threw a vodka bottle through a door window, causing around £800 worth of damage.

The man who was attacked suffered a fractured skull and had to undergo an emergency operation.

Prosecutor Chloe Hudson said: "The complainant says that the whole incident has been life-changing.

"He has had problems with depression and confidence.

"He now gets very worried going out in Leeds. The incident has consumed his life for two years. He still has sleepless nights."

The manager of the bar was also injured during the incident, suffering damage to his teeth.

He also described in a victim statement how the incident had affected the business because it attracted attention from police and licencing authorities.

Lofti Abdellaoui, Lamarr Edwards, Omar Ahmed, Ashiq Illahi, Deva Lall, Alain Ngue and Michael Walden were found guilty of violent disorder after a trial.

Edwards, Lall, Walden and Ngue were also found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Edwards was also found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Edwards, 26, of Shadwell Lane, Leeds, Lall, 34, of Sunningdale Avenue, Alwoodley, Leeds, Walden, 34, of Birkdale Drive, Alwoodley, Leeds, and Ngue, 27, of no fixed abode, were each jailed for six years and 11 months.

Ahmed, 27, of Stonewood View, Meanwood, Leeds, Illahi, 52, of Bradford and Heckmondwike Road, Bradford, and Abdellaoui, 42, of Grange Park Terrace, Leeds, were each jailed for a year.