12 officers hurt in clash with soccer fans

Twelve officers have been injured, two seriously, when they were attacked by a crowd of Celtic supporters outside a pub in Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Constabulary said.

One officer suffered head injuries and another had his leg broken in three places when violence erupted in Ballymena.

Police were called to the Grouse Inn in Ballymoney Street at 12.30am this morning after a group of men wearing Celtic tops began shouting and singing at drinkers.

When officers tried to stop the men erecting a Republican flag, a crowd gathered and police were pelted with glasses and bottles.

An RUC spokeswoman said: ‘‘The situation rapidly deteriorated into a serious disturbance resulting in twelve officers being injured.

‘‘Two were hospitalised, one with his leg broken in three places and another with serious head injuries.

‘‘Police were forced to don riot equipment and despite giving the crowd time to disperse themselves, they refused to do so and had to be physically dispersed.’’

Five people were arrested for offences including assault and public disorder.

A man is still being sought in connection with the attack on the officer who sustained serious head injuries.

Police appealed for anyone with information to contact police at Ballymena on 028 2565 3355.