Three Arrested During Wrexham & Chester Derby

Thousands of football fans descended on the Racecourse this afternoon to watch Wrexham take on Chester in their first derby match of the year. 

As with previous Wrexham and Chester matches, today’s game was another ‘safe transport / Bubble Match’ – with Chester fans being escorted into the town via coaches and a police escort. Today’s transport to and from the match was the third of its kind for the two teams.

On the pitch Wrexham were triumphant over the Chester team, beating their rivals with a 1-0 victory.

Off the pitch North Wales Police mounted an operation with Wrexham Council and the local business community to
combat any potential problems between the rival factions.

Work began earlier today with morning briefings with North Wales Police taking place this morning. Elsewhere in Chester the police escort also started early this morning, with fans arriving to the coaches before 11am.

Throughout the afternoon Inspector Paul Wycherley tweeted updates of incidents and arrests relating to the match.

Shortly before 1:45pm this afternoon Inspector Wycherley tweeted to say: “Male arrested @wrexham v Chester game. Searched as drug dog indicated that male may have controlled drugs on him. substance found.”

Inspector Wycherley also tweeted: “Two more arrests @wrexham v Chester – males for public order offences inside the ground” and “One further arrest in the ground for public order offence as the stadium clears.”

There were also reports that seats at the Racecourse had been destroyed by some Chester fans.

Simon sent us the above photos of the smashed seats at the Racecourse

Thanks to Beth Wright for sending us the above photo

Thanks to Chris Roberts who sent us this photo via Facebook

A temporary road closure on Mold Road was also put in place while the Chester coaches left the racecourse.

In total three men were arrested for public order offences, one from Chester and two from Wrexham.

Inspector Wycherley said: “I am pleased with the success of the police operation. Our aim had always been to see the game pass peacefully while taking into account the rights of the people of Wrexham to go about their normal business.

“I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding for any disruption that was caused. I would also like to thank the fans for their cooperation.”

Thanks to ElMonty (@ELmonty2012 ) for tweeting us the above photos!