Police investigate riot after England match

Police are investigating today after more than 100 fans hurled missiles at police after England’s World Cup win over Denmark.

Staffordshire Police drafted in about 120 officers in riot gear yesterday to control to control the football fans whose post-match celebrations turned violent in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

Sixteen people were arrested before order was restored after two hours of violence, police said.

Inspector Andrew Briggs said the trouble broke out shortly before 3.30pm when about 120 people in Yate’s Wine Lodge pelted a small group of officers called to the Brockley Square pub with glasses and bottles.

He said the officers made a number of arrests, before colleagues in riot gear were drafted in when the trouble spilled outside and into Trinity Street and Crown Bank.

Mr Briggs said the violence died down by 5.30pm.

He said only one person was injured - an elderly man, who was punched to the ground. He was taken to hospital but was later released after treatment.

Referring to previous outbreaks of violence in the Stoke area during past football seasons, Superintendent Ian Ackerley said: ‘‘It is extremely disappointing that yet again, this minority of people cannot celebrate England’s victory without resorting to violence, aggression and confronting police officers.’’

Officers were due to examine CCTV evidence of the violent outbreak.