Police arrested four men during a series of dawn raids in connection with football-related violence.
Nottinghamshire Police officers executed warrants at five residential addresses in Leicestershire today (Friday 4 March 2022) to arrest suspects believed to be involved in violent disorder outside the Fat Cat bar in Chapel Bar, Nottingham city centre.
The violence erupted shortly after 1.45pm on 6 February 2022 – ahead of the Nottingham Forest versus Leicester City FA Cup fourth round tie played at the City Ground.
Officers swiftly attended after it was reported a group of Leicester City fans threw chairs and a table at the Fat Cat bar’s windows, causing damage, with members of the public in fear for their safety.
Today’s warrants were carried out following detailed police enquiries, including trawling through CCTV footage and social media, to identify suspects involved.
The raids were carried out in Kinsdale Drive, Leicester, Arden Avenue, Leicester, Central Road, Leicester, Rutland Street, Leicester, and Silver Street, Whitwick, Leicestershire.
The four suspects, aged 41, 40, 37 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder .
Ahead of today’s operation Nottinghamshire Police officers have worked closely with colleagues at Leicestershire Police and will continue to do so as work continues to identify other suspects believe to have been involved in the violence.
Detective Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “People should be in no doubt that if they engage in football-related violence in Nottinghamshire the force will hunt them down.
“The minority suspected as being involved in this violent disorder may have thought they had evaded justice.
“However as today’s positive action has shown we will be relentless and use every means available to pursue suspects until they are captured.
“A considerable amount of time, effort and planning has gone into identifying suspects, gathering evidence and preparing for the early morning arrests which we have secured today.
“The violence carried out at the Fat Cat, while families and children were inside enjoying their Sunday lunch, was absolutely disgraceful and left people feeling very shaken.
“There was a large number of officers on duty for the game and they were quickly on scene following the reports.
“As today’s positive enforcement action has shown, we have taken this disorder very seriously and I’m pleased that we now have four suspects in custody.
“We will maximise every investigative opportunity to make sure those involved in this appalling violence are held to account.
“We are working hard to identify other suspects believed to be involved in the violence and I would encourage them to hand themselves in. I’d like to reassure people that we will pursue all those responsible and make sure they are dealt with.
“The vast majority of people who attended the game were genuine supporters and acted responsibly before and after the match and had another enjoyable day out at the football.
“There was a small minority of people who seemingly were just trying to spoil it for everyone else. I want to reassure football fans and the wider public that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and we will continue to do everything we can to keep people safe.”
Anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam footage which could assist the police with their investigation is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 182 of 6 February 2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.