Dozens of people were hurt last night as rival reality TV fans fought pitched battles on the streets of Elstree.
Hertfordshire police were forced to use CS gas as fans of Big Brother housemates Jonty and Tracey clashed prior to the latest eviction from the controversial house.
Trouble flared shortly before 8pm when fans of Jonty, a 36 year old museum assistant from London, taunted followers of self styled "cheesy quaver", Tracey Barnard, with chants of "get the hippy out."
Police moved in to restore order but found themselves overwhelmed as violent clashes erupted around the famous house.
Riot police were eventually deployed as the clashes increased in violence and one CS gas canister was discharged into a 'baying mob' of Tracey fans.
Chief Superintendent McCall of Herts police defended his force's tactics
"This was a case of mindless individuals compromising the safety of the public and the police neutralizing this threat in a methodical and effective manner.
"Intelligence suggests this violence was pre-arranged using the internet and mobile phones."
Mrs Jonty, whose son escaped eviction, said Jonty would be appalled by the violence being committed in his name.
"Jonty's a nice lad. He wouldn't want this."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the clashes and are appealing for calm ahead of next week's Big Brother final
