SWINDON Town fans involved in violence before and after the derby clash with Oxford United were subject to “nasty intimidation” from Us fans, police have said.
After Saturday’s game, police said one of the buses carrying Swindon supporters from the stadium was stopped by police on the B480 just after 2.30pm, due to damage being caused to the bus and debris being thrown out of the vehicle towards other road users, resulting in several arrests.
The Town fans arrested included a 35-year-old man from London, a 21-year-old man from Melksham and a 17-year-old boy from Calne, who were all held on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with damage caused to a bus belonging to the Oxford Bus Company. They were later bailed until April.
Football intelligence officer Acting-Detective Sergeant James Neighbour said banning orders would be sought and there may be more arrests.
He said: “The Swindon support were subject to some pretty nasty intimidation prior to and after the match and unfortunately some retaliated.
“I’ve spoken to many fans on the bus and the majority were embarrassed by what went on – the behaviour was appalling from a very small minority.
The police helicopter has caught footage of what happened and it has been used to arrest offenders. It will be monitored in detail over the next few days.
“Oxford CID are carrying out a full investigation and are taking it very seriously.”
Anyone with any information about the disorder should contact Thames Valley Police on 101.
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