POLICE raced to a shooting in Chingford after being alerted by the CCTV controller for the area.

The incident took place outside the Mount pub in Chingford Mount Road just after 11pm on Friday during a quarrel between a gang of black men and a gang of white Mediterranean men.

A number of shots were fired during the fracas but no-one was injured and no damage was caused.

Earlier, CCTV controllers based in Enfield witnessed the confrontation between the two groups. One was seen pulling out a large knife while another brandished a gun.

Police suspect the firearm was in the possession of the Mediterranean gang and the knife was produced by the other gang before they fled the scene in a Ford Focus.

Police pursued the Focus which eventually came to a halt, and a balaclava and knife were thrown out.

One man was arrested and later released on bail pending further inquiries. Others escaped.

A police spokesman said: "We are satisfied that live rounds were used and it was probably only luck that stopped someone getting killed or injured.

"We are anxious to trace those involved as this could have been a far more serious incident.

"There were a number of people in the street at the time who have not yet come forward. We appeal for them to contact us as soon as possible."

DC Dan Hill, investigating officer from the shootings team at Operation Trafalgar the unit responsible for gunshot incidents said: "We are not releasing any images at the moment but police are carefully studying footage from the evening's events."

The location was the scene of a vicious attack only eight months ago, when a man beat four revellers around the head with a baseball bat in an unprovoked attack before escaping in a Renault Scenic.

Police say they are keeping an open mind with regard to a motive and request anyone with information to contact DC Dan Hill at the Shootings Team on 8217 7381 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.