Football hooligan clashes in Bristol were 'orchestrated'

Police in Bristol have said that clashes between rival football fans in the city centre yesterday had been orchestrated by hooligan groups.

During the street violence, which occurred ahead of this evening's First Division Play Off final between Wolves and Sheffield United in Cardiff, a number of police officers received minor injuries and several arrests were made.

It is believed that a group of Sheffield United fans confronted locals in the Waterfront area at around 4.30pm and a short time later missiles were thrown.

Afterwards a group of around 150 people – mostly Sheffield United fans – moved toward the city centre and a large disturbance followed.

For the next few hours there was sporadic violence as the situation become "increasingly aggravated", according to a police spokesperson.

Around 70 police officers – reinforced by other constabularies – took part in evening operations, which also included five dog handler teams and a helicopter.

Inspector Barney Gardom said the operation was aided by a "tremendous amount of support" from pubs and clubs in the area. He added that detectives would be studying the city's CCTV system to identify trouble-makers.

“The CCTV system allows for a much more effective command of an incident like this because of the large number of high-quality cameras," Inspector Gardom said.

“From intelligence we have received, there is a suggestion that there was a degree of orchestration and organisation, certainly behind the initial confrontation between the Sheffield and Bristol football fans.

“As is often the case with incidents like this, a mindless minority have ruined a Bank Holiday night out for the majority of people who wanted to enjoy the weekend and to show support for their respective football teams.”

(GMcG)