By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport at Bethnal Green

Hide was at the centre of the controversy Hide fracas mars Harrison victory Pictures from Harrison's bout

Audley Harrison described Herbie Hide as a "loose cannon" after the ringside brawl that marred his victory over Matthew Ellis at London's Bethnal Green.

Hide pushed a female fan to the floor, sparking a stampede involving dozens of spectators.

The brawl took place just seconds after Harrison had conducted a public poll as to whether he should face Hide or former world champion Frank Bruno, also present at ringside.

Watch the scuffle at York Hall

The police were called to the scene and are now investigating the incident.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We were called at 23.09 on the 31 (May) to York Hall to reports of a woman being assaulted inside the venue.

"On arrival, police spoke to the woman. She declined medical attention at the scene. There have been no arrests and inquiries are continuing."

Harrison said Hide was to blame for the trouble: "I was very upset. The bottom line is that everyone knows Herbie Hide is a loose cannon.

"This is the Audley Harrison Show, I don't know why Herbie Hide was sitting ringside.

"Herbie Hide has a history of trouble outside the ring - the guy is out of control," Harrison said.

Herbie Hide profile

Former WBC super middleweight champion Richie Woodhall told this website that the scenes were a disgrace.

"I could just sense it was getting out of hand," said Woodhall.

"There were chairs flying all over the place.

"It's what boxing didn't need - it doesn't want this. That was totally unacceptable."

The British Boxing Board of Control said it planned an inquiry into the incident.

HAVE YOUR SAY Herbie Hide does not have the wit or charisma to support his arrogant nature Couch, Basingstoke Join the debate

"I said before the show it was not a good idea to have two boxers in such close proximity," BBBC general secretary Simon Block said.

"It was predictable. I don't know who's to blame but certainly the security wasn't adequate and bringing two fighters together in that situation wasn't advisable.

"I shall be looking at the video tape to see exactly what happened."

Hide has been involved in high profile brawls outside the ring before - in 1994, he scuffled with Michael Bentt in London and in 1999 he tried to engage British champion Danny Williams during a news conference.

The BBC's head of boxing strategy, Mike Lewis, admitted afterwards that "in hindsight" having Hide at ringside may not have been a wise decision.