Violence hits streets after match

Seven people were arrested, including five Wolves fans, after football violence spilled on to the streets of Wolverhampton city centre at the weekend.

Police officers today revealed they believe the trouble which flared during and after Wolves' 4-2 defeat to Stoke on Saturday was "pre-planned." After the match, Wolves fans were seen throwing bricks which narrowly avoided motorists on Stafford Street, near the university.

The yobs were trying to reach Stoke fans who were being moved along the opposite side of Stafford Street surrounded by a large police guard.

There were also problems inside the ground, with a small number of Stoke fans thrown out from the Steve Bull Stand at half-time for trying to confront Wolves supporters in the South Bank.

Police, who were also out in force at the city's train and bus stations, today said they believed the trouble had been planned by hooligans.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Hyde of Bilston Street police said five Wolves fans had been arrested for violent disorder and released on bail.

One Stoke fan was arrested and bailed for affray and another was held and then charged for running on to the pitch.

Mr Hyde said: "This is now an ongoing investigation and we'll be collating CCTV evidence. It may well be that we identify further offenders.

"There was a planned and organised disorder. It was more in terms of threatening behaviour and a stand-off between the two groups. Officers were very proactive in making arrests to prevent the disorder breaking down into a worse situation."

He said no-one had been injured. Extra officers were drafted in to deal with disorder on Stafford Street and Camp Street. The police helicopter was also used.