Section 60 stop and search powers used as police arrest 14 men at Blues v Villa

In total 14 people were arrested by officers in and around St Andrews, with offences ranging from violent disorder to possession of a flare.

• One man aged 48 on suspicion of affray - bailed pending further enquiries

• One man aged 22 on suspicion of possession of cannabis

• One man aged 37 on suspicion of possession of a flare

• One man aged 29 on suspicion of pitch encroachment

• One man aged 26 wanted on recall to prison

• One man aged 22 on suspicion of violent disorder

• Three men aged 24, 20, 29 and two further men were arrested on suspicion of public order offences

• Three men arrested on suspicion of affray at Moor Street train station.

This includes one man who was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis when three addresses were raided before the match.

Section 60 powers were utilised by West Midlands Police in a bid to 'tackle risk groups who were determined to attend and engage in serious violence' before, during and after the 1-1 draw between Blues and Aston Villa.

It comes after 28 people were arrested and seven football fans jailed over disorder which broke out during the League Cup derby in September last year.

The law allows police to stop and search anyone for weapons, whether or not officers have reasonable grounds for suspecting that person of being armed.

The powers, which are only allowed to be used if serious violence is expected and must be authorised by an officer above the rank of inspector, have been criticised by civil liberties groups as breaching human rights. Campaign group Liberty describes Section 60 as a "broadly framed and indiscriminate police tool."

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the force "deployed Section 60 powers of stop and search to gather evidence and prosecute offenders through the judicial system."

"For this reason there was no advance notice of the use of this power," they added, but said that Section 60 would remain in place after the match. The powers cannot be used for more than 24 hours without further senior authorisation.

In what was described as a 'substantial policing operation,' various other measures were put in place to prevent disorder at St Andrews, including restricting ticket sales to away fans, banning the sale of alcohol within the ground, and using drones to monitor crowds around the stadium.

Police said the match passed with only 'minor disorder' and that they are investigating after flares were thrown inside St Andrews.

Match commander, Chief Inspector Nick Rowe, said: "There has been a lot of planning in preparation for this fixture and we are pleased the majority of supporters were able to enjoy the game in a safe environment.

"Overall there was a fantastic atmosphere with two sets of great fans, the majority of fans embraced the feel-good factor of the day and were well-behaved.

"It was disappointing to have some disorder but we were able to react quickly and make arrests."

"We will review camera footage from this fixture and will undoubtedly take action against those involved in crime who haven't been arrested today."

The last time Section 60 powers were used by West Midlands Police was two weeks ago in Wolverhampton, when the force received "intelligence suggesting disorder may take place, due to growing unrest between families of the travelling community."

On that occasion no searches or arrests took place and no prohibited items were found.