THAMES Valley Police has made 13 more arrests related to incidents of violent disorder in Reading last month.
Disorder occurred on Friar Street and Station approach in central Reading on the evening of Tuesday, December 12, related to a football fixture between Reading FC and Oxford at the Select Car Leasing Stadium that day.
On that night 10 people were arrested and remain under investigation, but a further 13 people have now been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
Reading FC played Oxford United for the first time in decades on Tuesday, December 12, ahead of which police put Section 35 dispersal orders in place around central Reading and the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
It was in anticipation of incidents of disorder, and in total 10 arrests were made during the course of the day related to disorder.
Of the thirteen, seven were from the Reading and Wokingham area, including two from Tilehurst, with ages ranging from 25-58.
All thirteen remain in police custody at this time.
There is another match between Reading and Oxford scheduled for Saturday, February 3, and Thames Valley Police has confirmed that there will be a visible police presence at the game in Oxford to help keep residents and fans safe.
Superintendent Adrian Hall, tactical commander for the return fixture in Oxford, said: “The disruptive and aggressive behaviour exhibited by a minority of individuals prior to the Reading versus Oxford game in December was unacceptable and as a result, we have taken action to locate and identify those responsible.
“Thames Valley Police will have a visible policing operation in place for the Oxford versus Reading fixture on Saturday 3 February to ensure that fans coming to enjoy the game, residents and the wider public feel safe when visiting Oxford.
He explained: “There will be football ‘spotters’ actively deployed to continue to identify and arrest those responsible for disorder in Reading on 12 December.
“Officers will be out and about throughout the day and on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have – please feel free to stop them for a chat.”
