Dispersal order in place for football derby

Extra police will be drafted in for Redditch United's Bank Holiday clash against Halesowen Town, West Mercia Police said.

A dispersal order will be in place in the town from 11:00 and 19:00 BST for Monday's game to prevent the potential for anti-social behaviour, the force said.

More than 1,000 supporters are expected to attend the match at The Valley stadium.

There will be an increased police presence near the stadium and train station on Bromsgrove Road, as well as around Redditch town centre, before, during and after the match, which starts at 15:00 BST.

The force said the order gives officers powers to exclude members of the public who cause anti-social behaviour or disorder, or where there is a reasonable belief that they may cause such behaviour.

Police are working with both clubs, West Midlands Police and British Transport Police to counteract any trouble.

Supt Helen Wain said: "We are expecting a large crowd at Monday's game with potentially more than 1,000 supporters attending.

"We recognise the vast majority of fans are there to enjoy the derby game but also want to protect everybody from a minority who could potentially cause trouble.

"If you notice more officers around the town centre on Monday, this should not alarm you.

"They are there to help and to prevent any anti-social behaviour or disorder and the planned dispersal order is in place to support these ends."

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