Police have charged a Southampton man after a teenager suffered life threatening injuries in a mass brawl in a city park.

Nineteen-year-old Reece Bennett suffered serious injuries in the fight at Mansel Park in Millbrook.

The road maintenance worker was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and underwent surgery for injuries to his liver and pancreas.

He is currently in a stable but serious condition.

Police said at least 25 people were involved in a fight - some armed with weapons including bottles and pieces of broken fence.

Last night officers charged a 21-year-old Southampton man in connection with the incident, which happened late on Friday night.

Today Lee Martin Storey, aged 21, will appear at Southampton Magistrates Court.

He is accused of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.

Four other people, aged 17, 18,19, and 23, arrested on suspicion of being involved in the assault were released on police bail until various dates in August 2013 pending further enquiries.

Police say the incident  is no longer being treated as attempted murder.

Witnesses or anyone else with information are asked to contact CID at Southampton Central Police Station by phoning 101.

Information can be anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

The Minicom number, which is used by deaf and hard of hearing callers, has changed to Minicom TextRelay 18001 101.