STAFF and patients were forced to flee a hospital waiting room after two rival families battled with knives, a court heard.

Violence erupted when two families, who had been feuding over the rights to their Surrey Road paving businesses since 2001, met at Lewisham Hospital.

The Coyle and the Saunders families were paying their respects to relative Bridget Coyle, who had died of cystic fibrosis.

On March 12 the Old Bailey heard how brothers Simon, Francis and Tony Coyle reacted on seeing John and Owen Saunders.

Prosecutor Jonathan Turner said: "John Saunders saw Francis Coyle pulling a knife.

"John produced a cosh from his pocket and started to wave it towards Francis Coyle.

"Francis Coyle grabbed John Saunders and then Tony Coyle used the knife Francis had, slashing him across the face.

"It left a 10cm laceration from his mouth towards the ear.

"Simon Coyle approached Owen Saunders and when Mr Saunders tried to run away, Simon Coyle inserted the knife into his back leaving a 3cm wound."

The Saunders family were treated at the hospital after the incident on January 27, 2004. The Coyles fled the scene.

Police are still looking for Tony Coyle.

Francis Coyle, of Hook, Surrey, and Simon Coyle of Cobham, Surrey, admitted unlawful wounding and were jailed for 21 months each.

Their nephew, 18-year-old Barney Coyle, of Claygate, Surrey, shouted at John and Owen Saunders.

He admitted affray and was sentenced to 150 hours' unpaid work.