Trouble flares between Everton and Manchester United fans at M6 Toll service station

The brawl between Everton and Manchester United fans broke out at the M6 Toll service station at Norton Canes just after 10.15am.

Chief Inspector Darren Oakey, of Staffordshire Police, said around 200 fans had congregated at the location when trouble erupted.

Videos of the violence showing an Everton fan punched to the ground were posted on social media sites.

The fight took place on the car park as supporters milled about by their coaches, chatting and drinking.

One eye witness said: "I saw all the chanting and made my way over for a bit of what I thought to be light-hearted banter.

"Before I realised what was going on it had escalated rather quickly and punches were being thrown.

"An Everton fan stepped in to try and break up the melee only to be set upon by three United fans who quickly punched him to the ground before stamping on him.

"Someone shouted 'Police' and everyone involved seemed to disperse and blend into the crowd."

In one clip, two men, one in a grey top and the other in a royal blue T-shirt, are seen drunkenly squaring up to each other amidst chants and cheers.

The pair jostle and throw punches when the man in the blue top is knocked to the ground.

In other footage, through blue smoke from a flare, the Everton fan is seen lying flat out on the ground as people step over him. Some supporters are laughing but others are clearly agitated. A father carrying his young son in an Everton top in his arms, is seen hurrying away, trying to shield the youngster from the commotion.

Ch Insp Oakey said: "Several officers attended but the group had dispersed and there was no sign of fighting when we got there. We spoke to people at the scene but no one reported any assault or public order offences and the coaches moved on."

It is reported that 57 football specials stopped at the services during the course of the day. Police said no arrests were made.