Soccer yobs hunted after station clash

BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for witnesses following a violent incident involving Oldham Athletic fans at Manchester Piccadilly rail station.

The trouble started as the fans made their way home following Latics’ 5-0 defeat at Hereford on January 17.

Different groups of football fans were using Piccadilly as they made their way to and from matches across the country.

Police say that during the evening rival fans from Wigan and Oldham were drinking in the Sportsbar at the station and initially engaged in friendly banter, which became a violent confrontation.

BTP Det Chief Insp Malcolm McKinnon said: “The two groups of fans appeared to be relatively friendly and any potential for trouble seemed to have passed when the Oldham fans left the bar.

“For some reason a small number of the Oldham group returned a few minutes later and assaulted a Wigan supporter.

“Officers attended the incident and arrested a 20-year-old man from Wigan on suspicion of criminal damage. He has since been released on police bail.”

Detectives are now in the process of reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and are working with colleagues from other forces to identify those responsible for the violence.

Mr McKinnon added: “We are confident we will be able to identify the offenders in this case, but would ask that anyone who has information about the incident come forward.

“January 17 was an extremely busy day in terms of the number of football fans using the rail network and I’m pleased to say that the vast majority were well behaved and a credit to their clubs.

“Sadly a minority were intent on causing trouble which spilled over into the violence seen at Piccadilly.

“We are determined to bring these people to justice and will continue to take robust action against anyone who subjects genuine fans and other rail passengers to violence and anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800-40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.