A BRAWL outside the Feathers Hotel, which left four people in hospital, may have been sparked by racial abuse aimed at two young Asian women.

Hotel owner David Elliston is calling for witnesses to contact police to get those responsible arrested and charged over the incident, in the hotel courtyard on Sunday.

Mr Elliston will also hold talks with the police and Andy Ward, organiser of the town's Pub Watch Scheme, in a bid to make sure that a legally enforceable ban, involving all the town's pubs, can be imposed on anyone convicted of a criminal offence on licensed premises.

Mr Elliston said: "I've been the owner of the Feathers for 30 years and there hasn't been a fight here in that time. On Sunday, there was definitely a racial angle. Because of that, perhaps more people will be happy to come forward."

Hotel manager Mary Diggins, who was on duty alongside Mr Elliston, said: "The racial element was more relevant than the alcohol. I didn't think Ledbury was a racist town."

Mr Elliston said he believed that the Asian women were visitors from either London or Oxford. Drinkers took sides as the situation became more heated. At one point, one of the Asian women is believed to have thrown a drink over a tormentor.

The fight broke out at 10.15pm and involved about ten people.

The Feathers turned its kitchen into a makeshift first aid areas, before the arrival of the ambulance.

One security guard was taken to Hereford County Hospital with suspected internal injuries, but was later released. Another man suffered a broken nose and two other people for treated for injuries including bruises and scratches.

The Feathers Country Music Festival had been due to take place over three days, in support of the Ledbury Carnival. A similar music event has taken place at the hotel for 15 years, without incident.

Mr Elliston said: "The hotel cannot continue to hold weekend entertainment until we can guarantee the safety and comfort of our customers."

n An estimated 10,000 people crowded into Lebury on Monday for one of the most successful carnivals in recent years.