Manchester derby disorder: Men held after raids

Many families and children attend the football matches

Eleven men have been arrested in connection with violence that flared during last week's Manchester derby.

Rival fans caused trouble inside the City of Manchester Stadium and prior to the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final in which City beat United 2-1.

Police said the arrests were made during raids in Greater Manchester and Preston, Lancashire, on Wednesday.

The men, aged between 18 and 52, were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

'Mindless thugs'

Further arrests are expected in the lead up to the second leg when United play host to City at Old Trafford later.

Det Ch Insp Mark Roters said: "Many families, including women and young children attend football matches so it is totally incomprehensible that a small number of mindless thugs would incite violence when they are surrounded by people clearly terrified by their actions.

"Football related disorder is a stain on the game and we have been working hard with both clubs and members of the public to identify those involved.

"These arrests also act as a strong warning ahead of the reverse leg this evening to anyone prepared to get involved in this type of behaviour that we will come after you."