Atherstone ball game: Police issue violence warning

The ball gets thrown down Long Street in Atherstone

"Significant improvements" need to be made to a centuries old game after "extreme" violence was witnessed at last year's event.

Warwickshire Police said it did not want to see an end to the Atherstone Ball Game, but changes were needed to the way it was managed.

The Shrove Tuesday event sees hundreds of people grapple in the street for possession of a heavy ball.

If people "mistreat" the event they are at risk of losing it, said organisers.

"Levels of violence witnessed last year will not be tolerated," police said.

"[If it] continues, it is only a matter of time until somebody receives fatal or life changing injuries," said the force.

The ball game is privately run by a committee which is responsible for the safety of those attending, it explained.

The tradition dates back to medieval Warwickshire

Vice chairman and chief marshal of the ball game, Rob Bernard, said they had carried out briefings with teams taking part, and had "made it clear" police would be acting if they witnessed violence.

"People may be arrested - just as if there was if there was a violent act in a pub," he added.

The event "always divides opinion" in the town, said Ch Supt Mike Smith from the Warwickshire force.

"We recognise the history, the tradition, the sense of community, and the important role this plays in the town," he added.

"But at the same time I think there are more and more people can see it's getting to a point where the violence is unacceptable."

The ball, which has been signed by the residents of Atherstone, celebrates King Charles III

Footage of last year's event showed "violence on another level," he added.

Mr Bernard added there would be 25 stewards in place on the day and the committee had been discussing safety since last year.

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