THREE men have been arrested after dawn raids across Wirral as part of an investigation into disorder following a football match.

A 20-year-old man from Wallasey, 29-year-old man from Willaston, 44-year-old from Prenton and 31-year-old from Rock Ferry were arrested on suspicion of affray today (Wednesday) and are currently in custody assisting Cheshire Police with their enquiries.

The arrests relate to disorder in Chester city centre on Friday, March 3 following the Chester FC v Tranmere Rovers football match.

Detective sergeant Simon Owens said: “Today’s warrants are the culmination of a five-month investigation.

“In the hours following the match we received multiple calls regarding the behaviour of a group of supporters in the Northgate Street area of the city.

“Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to a pub on Northgate Street and customers were threatened.

“Following the incident, we have spent a significant amount of time gathering evidence, analysing CCTV images and working with our colleagues in Merseyside Police which has led to today’s action.”

Chief inspector Mike Evans from Chester Local Policing Unit added: “While the majority of football fans who attended the match last season were well behaved and had an enjoyable time, unfortunately there were a small number who were intent on committing crime and disrupting the lives of those who live work and visit Chester and this will not be tolerated in our city.

“With the new season quickly approaching today’s action should serve as a warning to football fans looking to visit Chester to cause trouble. Anyone who commits an offence will be located and brought to justice, no matter where they live.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the officers who have supported today’s operation, including our colleagues at Merseyside Police, without their support today’s action would not have been possible.”