Twenty-eight arrested in school brawl

Police arrested 28 students at a Philadelphia high school today and had to call in reinforcements to break up a huge brawl raging in the school’s halls.

The fighting at Chester High School broke out near the cafeteria at noon and spread throughout the halls as scores of students from two rival groups joined in, Chester police Chief John Finnegan said.

School security officers were unable to stop the brawl on their own and called for city police, who in turn sought additional help from other police departments. Officers used stinging sprays to subdue some students.

“It was a little bit of a free for all,” Finnegan said.

No serious injuries were reported. Classes were cancelled for the day.

Finnegan said it was unclear what caused the brawl.