Arrests made at Shrewsbury v Hereford match

Police were called to restore order at Shrewsbury Town's derby game with Hereford United when more than 100 people were involved in disturbances.

Several were arrested for offences, including assaults on police and club stewards as well as public order matters at last night's game.

Fighting broke out between groups of rival fans in the first half.

Chief Inspector Martin Whitelegg said: "Due to significant disorder breaking out in the ground during the match which the stewards were unable to manage on their own, the club's safety officer requested assistance from the police and we attended to restore order.

"Stewards and police received minor injuries and five people from both the Shrewsbury and Hereford areas were arrested."

Ian Bebbington, operations and commercial manager at Shrewsbury Town, said the club brought in extra police after identifying potential for trouble through CCTV.

He said: "Unfortunately there were a few supporters who were intent on causing disruption. We identified a number of troublemakers in the first half and brought in some extra police support.

"The stewards did a fantastic job. There were an element of Shrewsbury Town fans involved but they were being incited by Hereford fans. It looked like a major disorder but it was actually very much under control."

Hereford United today pledged to back any investigation and said: "We are sad and sickened by what happened."

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