Fifteen held in football clashes

Fifteen people have been arrested as trouble flared during and after the Second City football derby between Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

West Midlands police reported "a number of incidents of minor disorder by a small minority of youths" after the game at St Andrew's.

There were seven arrests at the match, and eight afterwards, mainly for public order offences, police said.

They said officers acted quickly to disperse troublemakers near the ground.

"A small number of crimes have been reported and are being investigated," said Supt Matt Ward.

"Police will continue active patrols in the area this evening."

Aston Villa won the game 1-0 with a goal from Gabriel Agbonlahor, taking them up to sixth position in the Premier League.

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