Hundreds attend historic Shrove Tuesday ball game

The Atherstone Ball Game takes place every year

A historic Shrove Tuesday ball game in Warwickshire has been held for the 824th time.

The Atherstone Ball Game is one of the oldest of its kind and has been held each year for centuries.

It sees hundreds of people grapple in the street for possession of a heavy ball.

Last year's event was plagued by nasty injuries, prompting police to issue a safety warning.

Hundreds of people grapple in the street for possession of the ball

This year's event was won by Alex Young.

Crowds gathered from early in the afternoon, in anticipation of the special ball being thrown from a balcony window by Atherstone-born comedian Josh Pugh at 15:00 GMT.

The game's rules are simple: whoever has the ball in their possession after two hours is crowned the winner.

Whoever has the ball in their possession after two hours wins

Warwickshire Police confirmed it attended the event and said it would be reviewing footage to determine whether any further action was required.

Last month, the force said it did not want to see an end to the annual tradition but suggested changes were needed to how it was managed.

"Levels of violence witnessed last year will not be tolerated," officers added.

The game is one of the oldest of its kind

Police also said they feared somebody could suffer fatal or life-changing injuries.

The game is privately run by a committee responsible for the safety of those attending.

Police warned they would act in the event of any violence or disorder

Vice chairman and chief marshal Rob Bernard, said his team had carried out briefings with those taking part.

He explained he had made it clear police would act if they witnessed violence.

"It is the public's game and if they choose to mistreat it then they are at risk of losing it," he said.