Further arrest made over Shrewsbury football disorder
Police have made a further arrest more than 10 months after launching an investigation into football-related disorder in Shrewsbury town centre.
It brings the total number of people arrested to 30 following fighting on Mardol and Smithfield Road before ShrewsburyTown’s League One local derby with Walsall last October. The other 29 have been charged with offences.
Officers travelled from Shrewsbury to Walsall yesterday and arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of violent disorder. He was given bail while inquiries continue.
The arrest comes as the majority of those previously arrested await the outcome of court appearances.
Sixteen men mainly from Shropshire admitted being involved in the brawl on October 14 when they appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court earlier this month. Fifteen pleaded guilty to violent disorder and one to encouraging other people to engage in violence.
In a separate hearing, six Walsall men also admitted violent disorder.
Those who have admitted offences will be sentenced next month and are likely to face football banning orders as part of their punishment.
A juvenile from the Walsall area who admitted violent disorder was dealt with by Shrewsbury Youth Court in May. He received a nine-month referral order and a three-year football banning order.
Those who have denied charges will stand trial at a later date.
Sergeant Julie Shephard, who made yesterday’s arrest and has led the police investigation, said many hours had been spent scrutinising CCTV footage to help identify those involved.
Officers from West Mercia Police received close support from West Midlands Police colleagues.
She added: “This was a serious outbreak of disorder in Shrewsbury town centre involving two opposing groups. Three police officers were injured – including one who suffered a broken leg – in quelling the violence.
“There are still some outstanding inquiries and I cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests.”
