Large Police Operation ‘Success’ With Just Three Arrests At Derby Stalemate

Three arrests were made this evening as Wrexham drew 2-2 against Tranmere Rovers in a highly policed fixture at the Racecourse with nearly 7000 fans.

Although kick off for the derby wasn’t until 7:45pm there was a notable police presence in Wrexham throughout the afternoon, with several police vans / cars seen around Mold Road and Glyndwr from around 4pm this afternoon.

The fixture saw three arrested, with Inspector Wycherley confirming the details of which to Wrexham.com after the match.

• One local male was arrested for breaching a football banning order.
• One male from the Wirral was arrested for assaulting a steward (common assault), assaulting a police officer and for making racist comments against Welsh people (racially aggravated). The male is currently in custody and awaiting interview.
• One local male arrested for throwing a ‘missile’ onto the pitch.

One report on social media contained a picture of what was described as a pink sex toy that had been thrown by Tranmere fans at the Tranmere goalkeeper. We did query this however were told the item is believed to be a ‘bottle’.

Mold Road was closed off for a period of time before and after the game to enable the safe flow of fans and for public safety. The road was reopened shortly after 10pm.

Throughout the game Town Centre Inspector Paul Wycherley live tweeted updates in relation to road closures, arrests and responded to incidents reported via Twitter throughout the game – many of the tweets were retweeted by Wrexham.com to help keep those attending the match and local residents aware of what was taking place!

Speaking to Wrexham.com after this evening’s match, Inspector Wycherley said: “There was a large scale police operation for this fixture and I am grateful to all agencies involved for making it a success.”

Several comments had been made about the Police Helicopter being very visible in the skies of Wrexham this evening, Inspector Wycherley said: “The police helicopter was up as little as possible, we were frugal with it. It was vital it was used at key times. It sends high quality images through to me so we know where to put the right resources in at the right time”.

Lots of comment was floating around the internet before the game on the large amount of policing for the fixture, that started earlier in the evening, with some seeing the brighter side:

Riding my bike to the footy with all these police helicopters about made me feel like Elliot in ET. #wxmafc @wrexham

— gedgie (@gedgie) October 6, 2015

@wrexham Big group of Tranmere fans bubbled in the pub at the end of my road-so far looks like a good atmosphere betwen them and police.

— Charlotte Williams (@charlotte_will_) October 6, 2015

Quick trip down Mold Road – observed 10 police vehicles & 1 undercover 3 hours before k’o at the racecourse Looks high profile policing!

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) October 6, 2015

@drlavertyx @Wrexham I'm not common

— Insp Paul Wycherley (@NWPPWycherley) October 6, 2015

Thanks to Louise Williams for the top picture, of Wrexham’s massive floodlights and the Police Helicopter above them just before the game.