Police keen to trace remaining men regarding football-related disorder

Disorder broke out in Mardol and spilled into Smithfield Road at around 1pm on Sunday 14th October 2012 before Shrewsbury Town’s game against Walsall.

A total of 15 men from both Shropshire and the West Midlands were arrested on the day and enquiries have continued since to identify others who may have been involved. A further 14 were arrested during December 2012 and January 2013, 12 of them from the Shrewsbury area and two from the West Midlands.

Since then, police have released more than a dozen images of other men they wished to speak to that they believe may have been in the area of the disorder and who might have information that could help the enquiry.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Davies, head of Shropshire’s CID, said two men remained from the West Midlands that police wanted to speak to – one man believed to be from the Shrewsbury following an appeal has now been traced.

“Three officers were injured during the policing operation for the football match, two of them requiring hospital treatment,” he said.

“There was a large police presence around the town and stadium to support club stewards at the time and as a result, the vast majority of genuine fans were able to watch and enjoy the game without any problems.

“However, a number of people had been intent on causing trouble, some of it apparently pre-planned, with officers dealing with several potential flashpoints and preventing any disorder from escalating.

“There are currently two remaining men that we want to speak to who could have important information that would help our investigation to trace those involved and I urge them or anyone who knows who they are to contact police on 0300 333 3000.”

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where operators do not even ask for your name.

DCI Davies added that West Mercia continued to work closely with West Midlands Police to identify offenders from the Walsall area.