Three arrested as Lincoln City fans wreak havoc on trains after losing to Notts County

Three people have been arrested following reports of disorderly behaviour by Lincoln City fans following the following Imps’ 4-1 defeat against Notts County.

On Saturday, September 23 British Transport Police officers responded to an incident of disorder at Nottingham railway station after the match, which saw over 4,000 Imps make the trip down.

This led to their officers and police dogs travelling back to Lincoln railway station.

Of the three arrested, two men have been charged and will appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on October 23 and a third man released under investigation.

Lincolnshire Police were not involved in this policing operation until they received an urgent assistance call from a British Transport Police officer after the arrival of the first train in Lincoln as a consequence of the disorderly behaviour of a minority of fans directed towards BTP officers.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “Local single crewed officers who were already on duty, including CID, all of whom were carrying out their normal duties, immediately attended the railway station to support their BTP colleagues and were themselves immediately subjected to aggressive threats and criminal behaviour.

“We are aware that a fight broke out on the second train back between Lincoln fans and there was further disorder at the railway station on Lincoln High Street, with objects, including barriers being thrown.”

Lincolnshire Police Superintendent Lee Pache, said: “We must be clear, there is no excuse for the violent and aggressive behaviour originally shown to the BTP officers upon the arrival of the first train and subsequently local police officers who, until then, had been dealing with local incidents and victims of crime.

“This is the second weekend of football related disorder in the city in seven days.

“Three public order arrests were made which are being investigated by BTP.

“Of the three arrested, two men have been charged and will appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on October 23 and a third man released under investigation.

“Those responsible for football related crime and disorder are in the minority, with 99% of football fans only interested in enjoying the beautiful game with their family and friends.

“It is our intention to work with Lincoln City Football Club and their fans to identify offenders and prevent further incidents. Importantly, we will not let the actions of the few change our view that true fans do not need policing, but until the few stop committing crime, we will have to continue to spend significant taxpayers funds seeking to minimise the threat of crime and disorder.”

Anyone with any information should call 101, quoting incident number 410 of September 23.