Missiles thrown as 30 West Norfolk police tackle crowd disorder at Kings Lynn FA Vase clash

MORE than 30 West Norfolk police officers were called to quell disturbances at today’s FA Vase semi final second leg which saw the home side eliminated from the competition.

As Coalville ran out 3-2 winners on the day (and 6-2 overall) police were called to tackle missiles being thrown and a pitch invasion during the game. Some spectators were evicted from the ground by police.

Two men, one fan from either side, were later arrested for public order offences outside the ground.

Two local pubs agreed to a police request to temporarily close to prevent further disorder and fans from each club were then dispersed with no further issues.

King’s Lynn Response Inspector Paul Garrard, who led the operation, said: “The majority of the spectators, including 250 travelling fans, were there to enjoy the game. “Unfortunately this was spoiled by two core groups from either side, who were intent on causing problems throughout the game. We will be examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify and arrest others involved.”

The police operation followed efforts by King’s Lynn Town FC to resolve the issue by evicting some spectators from the match and keeping the rival groups apart.

Additional police resources, including two dog handlers, were called in at approximately 4.45pm and carried out a controlled operation to keep rival groups apart during the end of the game and allow for the safe departure of spectators from the ground.

Two men, a 23-year-old man from King’s Lynn, arrested on suspicion of affray, and a 22-year-old man from Coalville, arrested on suspicion of threatening behaviour, remain in police custody at this time.