Footage has emerged of a bouncer appearing to punch a restrained man in the face after a mass brawl erupted outside a nightclub in central Croydon.

Police arrested five men, aged between 19-20, on suspicion of affray outside Funhouse, an adult ball-pit venue, after they allegedly attacked door-staff upon being refused entry just after 1am on Saturday night.

A video taken from inside the club, which has been shared online, appears to show a man held in a headlock by one bouncer being punched multiple times in the face by a second bouncer, before he is dragged to the floor in front of onlookers.

Police were forced to use pepper spray to detain the men, who allegedly resisted arrest.

According to the venue, the door-staff, neither of whom were arrested, acted proportionately to deal with a drunk and aggressive group who initiated violence.

A spokesperson for Funhouse said: "A number of door supervisors were attacked as a result of simply refusing the group entry, one of them has been brutally kicked in the head and has had to receive hospital treatment as a result of the attack.

"Ironically the white male shown in this video has been branded as a “victim” by a number of people who have viewed the video, commented and some even re shared on many social media platforms.

"This is not the case and CCTV that cannot be disclosed at this point as it is currently in the possession of the police does show the truth behind this incident.

"The door supervisors are trained to ensure that the licensing objectives are always adhered to.

"Irrespective of what is shown in this short video, door supervisors acted as a result of an immediate threat of violence to themselves and others around them.

"This was done with the best interest of their team, customers that were in and around the venue and any passing members of the public on the high street to ensure these individuals were restrained until the police arrived to deal with them accordingly."

Funhouse, an adult ball-pit themed bar, opened on Croydon High St in December.

A witness to the incident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I feel as both bouncers over reacted to the situation.

"As from what I could see the person who was forcefully detained hadn’t done much wrong."

Police were on a routine patrol when they witnessed an "altercation" outside the club.

One 19-year-old and four 20-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of affray and released under investigation.

Some of the men were also arrested for drug possession and being drunk and disorderly. One was arrested for obstructing a constable in execution of their duty.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD435/17MAR, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.