Villa Park football ‘derby’ passes off without serious incident

The first West Midlands football derby of the season passed off without serious incident with just 13 arrests for minor offences during yesterday’s match at Villa Park.West Midlands Police’s Football Unit worked closely with Aston Villa officials, pub licensees and British Transport Police ahead of the game in order to minimise the risk of trouble – and the joint planning has been heralded a success with no reported flashpoints.