28 charged over football 'disorder' after fighting at Shrewsbury last October

Timing follows violence over weekend at Wembley and Newcastle

Twenty-eight people have been charged with violent disorder and other offences after an inquiry into clashes between rival football supporters.

West Mercia Police said the charges followed an extensive investigation into fighting which erupted before a League One fixture between Shrewsbury Town and Walsall in October last year.

A police officer suffered a broken leg while attempting to quell the disorder in Mardol and Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury.

A total of 28 men and youths from Shropshire and the West Midlands were charged after answering bail last week and will appear before magistrates in Shrewsbury on several dates, starting on April 29.

One other man is expected to be charged at a later date, police said.

Superintendent James Tozer, Shropshire's police commander, said: "We work very closely with our partner agencies and in particular with Shrewsbury Town Football Club to prevent and reduce instances of football-related violence and disorder.

"Large-scale disorder is rare and this outbreak in Shrewsbury town centre was unusual in its scale.

"On this occasion, the significant number of arrests and charges together with any banning orders which result, will send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated."

The majority of those charged are accused of violent disorder, while others face allegations of obstructing a police officer and assault.

PA