SEVEN arrests were made in Accrington town centre following Burnley's FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Police have confirmed that a number of Burnley supporters were arrested and charged with anti-social behaviour and disorder offences after leaving the Bees Knees pub in St James Street.

Inspector Julian Platt, head of Accrington Police, said around 100 fans converged on the pub following the match at Turf Moor.

He said: "In the interests of public safety, we contained them inside the premises.

"When they left, a number were in possession of bottles and glasses so we had to remove these from them.

"Some of these individuals were quite lively so we stopped them from moving from pub to pub.

"In the interests of their safety, and the safety of other members of the public, it was better to have them contained in these licensed premises."

Officers later escorted a large group of fans to Accrington railway station before taking them back to Burnley.

Inspector Platt said those arrested were being abusive towards his officers, adding: "It is part of our commitment to dealing pro-actively with anti-social behaviour in Hyndburn and was no different to what we do any other weekend."

The fans, who hailed from Accrington and Burnley, were prevented from visiting other licensed premises.

Looking ahead to Tuesday night's replay at Ewood Park, Inspector Platt said: "I am not expecting lots of people to be in the town centre but in the event of fans using Accrington as a stop-off between Blackburn and Burnley, there will be a significant police response in the town centre.

"We will be encouraging people to enjoy a carnival atmosphere within the confines of the law."

Ross Freedman, manager at the Bees Knees, said he saw no problems inside his premises.

He said: "Everybody was okay and all the fans enjoyed themselves having a laugh and a joke.

"They all left peacefully."

  • POLICE said there were no reported assaults or criminal damage incidents in the town centre on Sunday.