Fight between suspected Everton and Manchester United football fans in Milton Keynes

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a disturbance at Newport Pagnell motorway services between suspected fans of Everton and Manchester United football clubs.

On Saturday night between 9pm and 10pm football fans of the clubs were travelling home from an FA Cup semi final played at Wembley when they were involved in an altercation at the services between J 14 and 15 on the M1 northbound.

The altercation resulted in four men aged between 25 and 48 being admitted to hospital with the following injuries: fractured skull; fractured neck; broken nose; bleed on the brain; multiple fractures to the face; a broken ankle; a cut to the lip requiring stitches and four broken teeth.

“This was a serious disturbance going on between suspected football fans, or people claiming to be fans,” said Det Sgt Phil Turner-Robson from Milton Keynes CID.

“While there is no information to suggest that this was pre-planned it has resulted in a number of serious injuries.

“Information at this time suggests the catalyst for the disorder was the arrival of the ‘Platinum’ coach carrying Everton fans. We are particularly keen to speak to people who were travelling on coaches either operated by the Orion or Platinum coach companies, as we believe they may have information which will help us investigate this incident.“

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Turner-Robson via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.