THAMES Valley Police has made 13 more arrests related to incidents of violent disorder in Reading last month.
Disorder occurred on Friar Street and Station approach in central Reading on the evening of Tuesday, December 12, related to a football fixture between Reading FC and Oxford at the Select Car Leasing Stadium that day.
On that night 10 people were arrested and remain under investigation, but a further 13 people have now been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
Reading FC played Oxford United for the first time in decades on Tuesday, December 12, ahead of which police put Section 35 dispersal orders in place around central Reading and the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
It was in anticipation of incidents of disorder, and in total 10 arrests were made during the course of the day related to disorder.
Of the thirteen, seven were from the Reading and Wokingham area, including two from Tilehurst, with ages ranging from 25-58.
At the moment, all thirteen are still being held by the police.
Thames Valley Police has stated that there will be a noticeable police presence at the game in Oxford to help keep locals and fans safe. Reading and Oxford are scheduled to play again on Saturday, February 3.
The tactical commander for the rematch in Oxford, Superintendent Adrian Hall, stated: “We have taken action to locate and identify those responsible for the disruptive and aggressive behaviour exhibited by a minority of individuals prior to the Reading versus Oxford game in December.
For the Oxford vs. Reading game on Saturday, February 3, Thames Valley Police will be conducting a visible policing operation to make sure that Oxford residents, game attendees, and the general public feel comfortable while visiting.
“Football’spotters’ will be actively deployed to continue to identify and arrest those responsible for disorder in Reading on December 12,” he clarified.
“Please feel free to stop them for a chat; officers will be out and about throughout the day to address any questions or concerns you may have.”
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