AN INVESTIGATION has begun into the “deplorable” crowd trouble before, during and after a West Ham game which left three men needing hospital treatment.
Fights broke out before the clash with Millwall on Tuesday when hundreds of fans confronted each other outside the Hammers' Upton Park stadium.
More than 200 riot police were met with a hail of missiles, leaving some with minor injuries.
A 43-year-old man was stabbed in Priory Road, shortly before 8pm, he remains in a stable condition in hospital.
And during the match itself West Ham fans invaded the pitch three times.
The violence continued after the game and a man was found with head injuries in Redcliffe Road at 10.45pm, he was later arrested on suspicion of being disorderly.
At around the same time a man was assaulted in a public house in Green Street, he was also taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Journalist Jonathan Moyes, who was covering the game for the Guardian, found himself on a train arriving at Upton Park which had been stormed by hundreds of what he described as “modern day cavemen”.
He said: “Fans gestured and shouted at scores of police waiting for them.
“As I walked to the ground the street ahead of me was cordoned off by riot police “Scores of Milwall fans pelted them with cans and bottles of beer as they tried to break the police cordon and attack West Ham fans standing nearby.”
Thirteen people were arrested and police are now reviewing CCTV from the stadium to identify the hooligans.
Investigating officer Chief Supt Steve Wisbey said: “A team of dedicated police officers will be reviewing all the events that took place last night and will be looking at CCTV both inside and outside the ground to identify evidence of offences and offenders.”
West Ham eventually won the game 3-1.
A West Ham United FC spokesman said: ““The club will not tolerate the unacceptable behaviour witnessed inside the Boleyn Ground and will take the strongest possible action against anyone found responsible, including life bans.”
Anybody with information should call police on 8217 5851.
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