Police in Tamworth and Armidale, in northern New South Wales, are investigating savage brawls which have left a number of people in hospital in both centres.

In Armidale, two men received head wounds in a brawl which police say numbered at least 12 participants at Wicklow Fields.

They believe some weapons were involved in the fight.

It follows savage violence in Tamworth's south which left a number of men in hospital suffering from various wounds.

Police say the ongoing family brawl took place in Garden Street near the corner of Kurrajong Street and involved people wielding swords, star pickets, bricks and wooden clubs.

An Aboriginal elder has been brought in to try to resolve the dispute, which reports say could have festered for as long as 10 years.

Police expect to lay charges of affray against some of the alleged participants.