Arrests over violent disorder in Bolton after Wigan defeat

The men have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder

A teenager is among 12 men arrested in raids over violent disorder involving about 50 football fans after a League One game between Bolton and Wigan.

The fighting on Market Street in Westhoughton followed Wigan's 4-0 thrashing of Bolton at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on 19 August.

A dozen properties in the two towns have been raided over the "thuggery" which saw a man being hospitalised, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The men held are aged from 16 to 58.

Dozens of homes in Bolton and Wigan were raided

Police issued a dispersal order, granted under section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to ensure the group left the area.

Of the 12 men being held seven are from Bolton and the remaining five are from Wigan and all are being questioned on suspicion of violent disorder.

More than 50 officers were involved in the early morning raids

Supt Danny O'Neil said the disorder was "pre-planned" with "innocent people" being caught up in the violence.

He added: "There is no place for this type of thuggery - people go to football matches to watch football, not to fight and cause trouble, and we want to ensure people can attend matches safely.

"The events of August overshadowed a well-planned, well-policed operation after a lot of work between GMP and the two clubs.

"The return fixture is in a few weeks and we want to send a message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."

Two men arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in August have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

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