Young football fans 'bullied into taking smoke grenades into matches'

Children are being “bullied” into taking smoke grenades to Northampton Town football matches, police have said.

Northamptonshire Police are warning fans not to carry flares, fireworks or smoke grenades after recent incidents at the Cobblers’ Sixfields stadium.

Last year the force released a video warning of the dangers posed by carrying flares, fireworks or smoke grenades.

The force said so-called pyros “pose a danger to everyone in the stadium”.

Pc Nick Price said: “There is some evidence to suggest that young people are being bullied into taking smoke grenades into football games against their will.

“If they are caught, they risk getting a criminal record, and even a caution will stay on their record, meaning it could affect their employment prospects for years to come.”

He added that the force was “increasingly concerned” about the growing use of pyros at football games.

“We need people to understand the potential dangers and also realise that possession and use of pyros in a public place is a serious criminal offence that could even result in a prison sentence,” Pc Price said.