Twenty young hooligans arrested as violence flares before Villa v Leicester

The fans were caught fighting and throwing bricks and bottles at each other in Birmingham city centre prior to the clubs' Premier League match at Villa Park.

Police were called to the violence on Price Street near to The Bull pub, which was closed at the time, at around 4.15pm.

The rowdy group of mostly teenagers tried to run away when police arrived, but officers arrested 15 at the scene.

Eight were Villa supporters and seven were Leicester fans and all were aged between 16 and 21.

Five more of the hooligans, four aged 16 and one aged 17, were arrested after being found hiding on the NCP car park on nearby Weaman Street.

All twenty were arrested on suspicion of either violent disorder or affray and have since been released on police bail, with strict conditions, until dates in February and March.

Villa and Leicester went on to draw one all in the 5.30pm fixture.

Inspector Richard Vickers said: "Thankfully this was just a small pocket of disorder and the vast majority of people attending the match were there to enjoy the opportunity of supporting their team.

"Football-related disorder and violence of this nature will not be tolerated and we work closely with security staff and club officials to identify and monitor 'risk supporters'.

"These few individuals who choose to display their 'support' through anti-social or criminal activity are dealt with strongly and we will always push for Football Banning Orders against such offenders."