Witnesses sought after fans clash

OFFICERS are appealing for witnesses after rival football fans clashed on Saturday afternoon.

Shortly before 2pm on Saturday police received reports of around 50 Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers supporters throwing bottles and fireworks at each other in Horwich town centre, Bolton. The clash happened before the two clubs played in a League One match.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and remains in custody.

A 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a controlled drug.

Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are following a number of enquiries and as part of that we are looking at whether this was an organised fight involving rival groups.

"The behaviour of these individuals was completely unacceptable.

"We will be working with both clubs to identify the individuals involved with a view to prosecuting those responsible and issuing banning notices against them.

"Contact us on 101."