Violence flares as 27 hurt at Blues v Villa clash

Seven people were arrested and 27 injured amid violent scenes at the end of the Carling Cup quarter-final clash between Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

A flare was thrown and seats ripped out and hurled at fans at Birmingham City's St Andrew's ground after Blues beat their bitter rivals 2-1 last night.

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One man was knocked unconscious and five people needed hospital treatment. Two police dogs were also injured after they were struck by missiles.

The violent pitch invasion, involving more than 1,000 fans, followed City's victory.

Birmingham City fans were see to run across the pitch to taunt rival fans in the Gil Merrick Stand following the final whistle.

Around 200 seats are believed to have been ripped out by VIlla fans and used as missiles which were thrown onto the pitch, along with coins and plastic bottles. A flare was thrown into the section housing the Villa supporters then tossed backwards and forwards between the rival factions.

A total of 500 officers were policing last night's match, the first midweek clash between the clubs since ugly scenes seven years ago.

The figure is around five times the usual police presence for a Premiership match. Police formed a barracade between the rival set of fans as violence erupted.

Superintendent Steve Graham, who was responsible for policing the game, said: "This incident must have been very frightening for the vast majority of spectators who enjoyed the match and did not cause any problems.

"Around 1,000 fans made it onto the pitch and officers put themselves in harms way to keep the fans apart."

An investigation is now under way.