Police and officials of Torquay United believe that violence outside the soccer ground during and following Saturday's match against Bristol Rovers was pre-orchestrated.

Police are holding five men, all from the Bristol area, in connection with the clashes in the Ash Hill Road area of the Devon town.

Officers had to call for reinforcements from other parts of the county after more than 80 fans fought in the streets after the match.

Devon and Cornwall Police believe the violence, which involved fans of Bristol Rovers Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, was organised by groups using mobile phones.

One fan was in possession of CS gas so we were aware that other hooligans were possibly carrying this weaponry.

Supt Barry Marsden

While Rovers were losing the match 2-1, a group of visiting fans moved out of the ground to challenge Plymouth Argyll fans, who had arrived from 30 miles away.

Knives, fists and CS gas were used in what police describe as a "serious outbreak of public disorder".

"We've got clear evidence that there was a telephone conversation between the two parties," said Superintendent Barry Marsden of Devon and Cornwall Police.

"Near the end of the match a large number of Bristol Rovers fans left the ground, travelled some short distance to a pub where they met up with Plymouth Argyle fans and as a result a fight started.

"A small number of police officers were caught in the middle of it all.

Mike Bateson: 'Our real fans were in the ground'

"On Friday we did arrest two Rovers fans here in Torquay. One was in possession of CS gas so we were aware that other hooligans were possibly carrying this weaponry.

"Having had the fight break out, we were able to bring in reinforcements from other areas. As a result we were able to keep the two parties apart for the remainder of the day."

Mike Bateson, Chairman of Torquay United, said: "The problem is you're not dealing with football supporters.

"The real football supporters were inside the ground, watching the match."

Recent Home Office figures showed that football violence among lower division clubs was on the increase.

Plymouth Argyle was one club cited as having a growing problem.