Police blast ‘disgraceful’ violence as York fans clash in street

Bottles and glasses were thrown in the street as fans clashed in the hour before York City’s 2-0 home defeat by Port Vale on Saturday.

Officers arrested five people and issued 16 local teenagers with dispersal orders banning them from the city centre for six hours.

Pc Andrew Pearson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It was disgraceful behaviour by a shockingly behaved minority who should be ashamed of themselves.

“Thankfully no-one suffered any injuries as a result of the incident and those responsible should count themselves very lucky not to be facing more serious allegations.

“We have been checking CCTV of the incident and speaking to people who were present. However, it is vital that any other witnesses to the incident come forward if they have not already done so.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who was in the Pink Pony pub prior to the incident.”

He added: “This behaviour will not be tolerated in our city and as a warning to others intent on spoiling the occasion for genuine fans, you can be assured that North Yorkshire Police will ensure offences of this nature are pursued through the courts and football banning orders sought at every opportunity.”

Two 18-year-old men from York were arrested on suspicion of affray.

Two men aged 19 and 20 from Stoke were arrested on suspicion of public order offences. Both were also arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and B drugs along with a third man, aged 19.

All five have been released on bail while inquiries continue.

In a separate incident, two men aged 43 and 23 from Stoke-on-Trent who had been ejected from the ground were arrested for using threatening words and behaviour towards police officers.