Police investigate after Headingley crowd trouble mars Afghanistan clash with Pakistan

The trouble came during Pakistan's tense victory over Afghanistan - a victory that kept alive Sarfraz Ahmed's team's World Cup semi-final chances

A police investigation has been launched after clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan fans at Headingley marred the pair’s World Cup clash on Saturday.

The trouble came during Pakistan's tense victory over Gulbadin Naib's side - a win that kept alive Sarfraz Ahmed's team's World Cup semi-final chances.

West Yorkshire Police were called to Yorkshire’s home ground to diffuse the tensions after confrontations began outside the venue.

Two men, both aged 22 and from London, were arrested on suspicion of affray. One has been released without charge, while the other was bailed pending further enquiries.

A 17-year-old from Birmingham was also arrested on suspicion of assault, but was later released without charge.

However, West Yorkshire Police are now looking at further CCTV footage and social media videos to track down those involved in more serious offences, with police wishing to hear from anyone with any further information.

Superintendent Chris Bowen admitted that “the scenes that were witnessed were completely unprecedented at a cricket match”.

He said: "We now have a better overall impression of the incidents that took place in and around the ground before, during and after the match, and recognise the need for there to be a full and comprehensive criminal investigation into those offences.

“The footage that is out there clearly shows people being assaulted.

“The law-abiding majority will have been understandably concerned at what occurred and we need to send a very clear message that behaviour such as this is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“While we did not receive any direct reports of people being injured, the footage that is out there clearly shows people being assaulted during these incidents.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was a victim and from anyone who witnessed any incidents, particularly if they have uncut original source phone footage that could assist in identifying incidents or offenders.

“We have detectives from Leeds District CID carrying out extensive enquiries to build up a full picture of these incidents and pinpoint the suspects, and we will look to further public appeals to identify them as necessary.”

Bowen added: "We have now reviewed the policing arrangements for the coming matches this week at Headingley, in consultation with the Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and an enhanced police presence and stewarding will be in place to ensure people attending can have a safe and enjoyable time.”

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