Arrests over stabbing after Luton Town game

Police say a Kidderminster Harriers coach came under attack after fans on board got into an argument with local residents at the junction of Dunstable Road and Mansfield Road.

A Beds Police spokesman said: “The fans were on board the last of five coaches when it became stuck in traffic. Supporters ended up getting off the coach and a fight ensued.”

Two supporters, men aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital, one with stab wounds. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

The spokesman said three men aged 19, 21 and 40, and a 16-year-old boy, had been arrested on suspicion of affray.

Detective Sergeant Martin Eaton, in charge of the police investigation, said: “We have four people in custody in connection with this investigation and officers will be speaking to them during the course of the day.

“However, this is still an on-going investigation and we will be visiting the area this morning and speaking with local residents to ensure they are fully informed about the police investigation and seeking potential witnesses who may have information that can help detectives piece together exactly what happened.”

A spokesman for Kidderminster Harriers said: “The club in no way whatsoever condones any act of violence or aggression and wishes to extend its best wishes for a speedy recovery to anyone who came to harm on Monday.

“It would be inappropriate to comment specifically on the incident in question as it has now officially become a police matter. If necessary we will do so once any investigation is completed.”

Anyone with information relating to the incident should contact Det Sgt Eaton at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394310.

Kidderminster fan Adam Piper, who was on the coach, said the man who was stabbed was from Kidderminster but was a Luton Town fan.

He said the coach had come under attack from four Asian men, and that a window had been smashed with a hammer.

He wrote on Twitter: “Half the bus led chase to be greeted with them holding knives, spades etc! Police escort was nowhere! If the police were there then it wouldn’t have happened.”