GOLF clubs and a “scythe” were brandished as neighbours brawled in the street.

Residents in Wellhouse Estate, West Mersea, watched on in horror yesterday morning as a dispute boiled over.

It is thought the incident began following an argument over a car.

The row lasted more than 45 minutes.

One woman, who witnessed the incident but asked not to be named, said: “It started with screaming and shouting at around 7.30am.

“It got to 7.45am and it all just kicked off.

“Apparently it was over some children scratching a neighbour’s car.

“Then one woman picked up a load of stones and started throwing them and next thing you know there are a couple of guys with golf clubs smashing the car’s windows in.”

The woman said a man then appeared with a machete or “grass scythe”.

Neighbours called 999 and police attended. They were still carrying out door-to-door enquiries at the scene yesterday at 6pm.

It is thought someone was injured in the attack, although neither Essex Police or the ambulance service were able to give us any details about the incident last night.

The family are thought to be tenants of social housing firm Colne Housing, which was also unable to comment.

The eye-witness added: “We are all in shock really. You don’t expect it to happen.

“There have been altercations before but nothing like this.

“Hopefully Colne will now move the perpetrators on.

“There is council housing down here and this kind of behaviour makes everyone look bad.

“We are not all like that. We are all parents and just want the best for our children.

“I really feel for the people who have paid to live in these houses with this kind of thing going on.”