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Football hooligans attack police

Police were attacked by rival fans outside the stadium
Hundreds of football fans attacked police officers as violence broke out after Sunday's FA Cup tie between Stoke City and Birmingham City.
Trouble began at the Britannia Stadium when a group of about 200 visiting fans ripped down fencing separating them from Stoke supporters.

As rival gangs left the ground, police faced what a senior officer described as "extreme violence".

Several arrests were made and officers are studying CCTV images.

'Rival hooligans'

Mounted officers and dog handlers were among those attacked by fans of both clubs outside the stadium, and police had to close the nearby A50 as they dispersed the crowd.

The match commander, Supt Andy Franks, said: "Our officers prevented serious disorder between the rival groups of hooligans and a number of arrests have been made in and around the stadium.

"Those officers were faced by extreme violent behaviour from a significant number of criminals.

"Those arrested will be questioned by detectives this evening and further arrests are likely."

Police hurt during football derby
A policeman was injured and 22 people arrested as trouble flared during Sheffield's football derby.
More than 300 officers were on patrol before, during and after Saturday's match at Hillsborough, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Sheffield United.

One officer is recovering from a neck injury received when fans pulled his protective helmet off in the ground.

Arrests included charges for racially aggravated offences, assault on a police officer and possession of drugs.

A 47-year-old Sheffield man and a 28-year-old man from Whitby, North Yorkshire, were later charged with threatening behaviour.

Two other men from Sheffield were also charged - a 25-year-old with criminal damage and a 26-year-old with a public order offence.

All four men will appear before Sheffield magistrates later in the week.