Seven arrests over violence at West Ham

LONDON police said they were holding seven men arrested following violence at the English League Cup clash between West Ham and Chelsea.

Skirmishes broke out towards the end of the Hammers’ 2-1 win yesterday, with police and stewards battling to keep supporters apart as coins, bottles and plastic seats were thrown.

There was a heavy police presence in place at the London Stadium, formerly the Olympic Stadium, which has seen repeated violence involving West Ham fans since they moved into their new home at the start of the season.

The seven men were arrested for public order offences and were being held in custody at several police stations.

Commander BJ Harrington, who led the match day police operation, said an investigation had been opened.

“There were a minority of people who attended the match that were clearly intent on being involved in confrontation and violence,” he said.

“We have already made seven arrests and will work tirelessly to identify people involved and bring them to justice.”

The police said 30 people were stopped from attending the game prior to the match between the two London sides.

Chelsea supporter Paul Streeter said he and his eight-year-old daughter were pelted with coins while sitting in the disabled supporters’ section of the ground.

“My daughter was hit with seven coins all over her body,” he told BBC radio. ““She’s never experienced violence like this before or the aggression we have had to suffer. It is disgusting.” – AFP