Police today pledged to make every effort to arrest and prosecute football hooligans, following a string of arrests in Shropshire.The message came after a series of dawn raids were carried out by officers from West Mercia Police and British Transport Police yesterday.
See our original photo gallery from the raids here
Twelve people were arrested in Shrewsbury on suspicion of being involved in a major football-related disturbance at Wednesbury’s Tame Bridge Parkway Station on November 10.
Fighting broke out between a gang of youths from Shropshire and a rival group before an FA Cup match between Shrewsbury and Walsall.
Operation Highway was organised by the British Transport Police and supported by West Mercia.
Chief Inspector Martin Whitelegg said: “The joint police operation serves to show we will not hesitate to take action against the small minority of people who cause problems at football matches.
“Anti-social and violent behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Regardless of whether it’s in Shrewsbury or away from the town - or how much time has elapsed since an incident of disorder - we will pursue those responsible until we are able to bring them to justice.
“The police will work hard with their partners - including Shrewsbury Town Football Club and the British Transport Police - to identify and arrest troublemakers.
“Our aim will be to put them before the courts where they could face a prison sentence.
“They will also be subject to banning orders preventing them from attending matches”.
He said he was delighted with the success of Operation Highway.
“These policing operations are in respect of a very small lawless minority.
“They send out a clear message to anyone contemplating causing disorder at forthcoming matches that we are actively targeting troublemakers and will bring them to justice.
“All football matches are attended by dedicated police officers acting as spotters who are able to identify known troublemakers and gather evidence to enable prosecutions and banning orders.”
“I would stress that those people who resort to hooliganism by associating themselves to the football club are not fans.
“They are a small minority intent on causing trouble and spoiling the occasion for the vast majority of law-abiding genuine supporters.”
2 Comments
Police should concentrate on more important things instead of targeting a few lads who had a bit of a scuffle. If it had happened outside the pubs on a Saturday night they wouldnt be smashing their doors down at dawn. Too much police time is wasted in targeting football groups and its a shame they don’t put the same resources into tackling burglars and drug dealers.
I would imagine that the persons concerened will be worried sick that they may get ASBO’s !!!!