Police hurt as fans clash

More than 20 police officers were injured during violent clashes between Birmingham City and Aston Villa football fans after a highly-charged derby match.

Rival supporters clashed in the streets after yesterday's game at St Andrew's which saw Blues defeated 2-1.

Seventeen men were arrested as a result of the trouble, which also saw a number of police vehicles damaged.

Problems flared outside the ground after the match and carried on all the way to St Martin's Church outside the Bullring in Birmingham city centre.

Villa fans were locked inside the stadium by police for almost an hour after the game, which kicked off at 1pm in a bid to avoid problems.

But it was not enough to quell the tide of anger between supporters of the two teams, who have a history of both spontaneous and organised flare-ups.

A police spokesman said: "Over 20 police officers were injured or assaulted and suffered minor injuries. Police inquiries are ongoing and extensive CCTV footage is being examined."

Games involving the two Birmingham teams are deliberately scheduled for earlier in the day to make pre-match drinking less of a factor in any trouble.

Police earlier today said that six of the men arrested after yesterday's game were aged between 16 and 25.

They were arrested on suspicion of football-related disorder and have been bailed while further inquiries are conducted.

The worst flare-up in recent years was in March 2003 when 40 fans were arrested and two police officers injured after violence erupted when the two teams met at Villa Park.

Police are appealing for witnesses to yesterday's trouble to come forward. Call 0845 113 5000.