Soccer violence suspects charged

Eight suspected soccer hooligans have been charged in connection with an outbreak of violence after a football match.

The men were charged after a series of dawn raids at addresses across north Staffordshire on Thursday.

They have been charged in connection with disorder after the Wrexham v Port Vale Division Two fixture on 4 October.

Chief Inspector Paul Giannasi said: "The responsibility for investigating these offences would normally rest with North Wales Police.

"But we are so determined to rid local clubs of violent followers that we have dedicated a team of officers to arrest and process the offenders.

"We are determined to work with Port Vale to reduce disorder and more arrests will follow."

Officers are still working to identify a number of people in connection with the violence on a housing estate near Wrexham's home ground, during which missiles were thrown at police and houses.