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Arrests made after flare thrown onto pitch during Kidderminster Harriers vs West Ham

Four men have been arrested after a flare was thrown onto the pitch during Kidderminster Harriers' FA Cup defeat to West Ham.

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Four fans were removed from the Aggborough Stadium

West Mercia Police said four men in their 30s and 30s were detained on suspicion of possessing and setting off a flare during the game. They are from Birmingham, Hampshire and Kidderminster.

Officers identified and removed the men from the Harriers' Aggborough Stadium and taken into custody after club stewards alerted them to the flare-throwing incident.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan said: “The majority of fans, both home and away, have enjoyed the match this afternoon and behaved respectfully towards each other before, during and after kick off.

“Unfortunately, there was a small number of home fans causing trouble, but thanks to the club’s stewards we were able to detain the four men before anyone was injured by their careless actions.

“We worked closely with the club in the build up to the game, and increased our presence around the town to ensure fans and the public were kept safe during this exciting and historic match. I would like to thank everyone involved for their co-operation.

“Sadly, it wasn’t the result we had hoped for but the match was a celebration of football, and was played in the true spirit of the FA Cup. Both the team and the community did Kidderminster proud."

Kidderminster Harriers were seconds away from a famous win, when the Premier League side equalised in the 91st minute.

An even crueller twist was to come when the Hammers scored a last-gasp winner at the very end of extra-time with almost the last kick of the game.

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