THREE more people have been arrested as police continue their investigation into organised violence before the recent Sunderland-West Ham football match.
Two 17-year-olds from Washington and an 18-year-old from Chester le Street have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and are currently in custody.
Yesterday, five people - including a 20-year-old from South Tyneside - were arrested.
They have been bailed pending further enquiries into the incident.
The arrests follow violence, which it’s believed was pre-arranged, at about 2.15pm on Saturday, January 12, outside Revolution Bar at Low Row in Sunderland city centre.
Police have been working to identify those involved, and released 20 CCTV images of people they are keen to trace in connection with the disorder.
Police hunt suspected Sunderland and West Ham hooligans
Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth, Sunderland Area Commander, said: “We still have CCTV out there of people we need to speak to about the incident.
“We’ve so far had a good response and are following up a number of lines of enquiry with more arrests expected.
“This sort of incident is unusual, and as we’ve said previously, the vast majority of football supporters just want to enjoy the match.
“However, when any kind of violence takes place, we will do everything possible to make sure those suspected of being involved are traced and the appropriate action taken.
“I’d appeal for the help of the public to identify those people in the images who we need to trace and speak to about the disorder which took place before the match.”
Anyone who recognises themselves in the images is asked to contact police at the earliest opportunity.
Anyone who knows the identity of anyone pictured is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.