Watford’s top police officer said she will not allow the town’s reputation to be tarnished by football thugs as police clamp-down on fan violence.

Chairs were thrown as a brawl broke out between Watford and Brentford fans in the High Street following Billy McKinlay’s first win as Hornets' boss on Tuesday night - with eight men arrested.

Police swooped on four addresses around the town just after 7am today and arrested three men in connection with violent disorder in Market Street following Watford’s game with Bolton on Aug 9.

Officers have now arrested eight men in connection with that clash.

Supt Sue Jameson expects the final arrest tally to reach about 30 and warned hooligans they will be caught, prosecuted and banned from attending football matches for life if they engage in violence.

She said: "Our message is clear - violence and disorder will not be tolerated on the streets of Watford. Everyone in the community will condemn violence.

"Those who think they can hide behind the guise of claiming to be football fans and who are intent on causing violence on what should be an enjoyable sporting event should think again. We are watching you."

Watford Football Club’s Operations Manager Glyn Evans said the club took a "dim view" on those who use football as vehicle for violence.

He said: "We are disappointed to hear these incidents have occurred, as will everyone associated with football. 

"But it is worth pointing out and stressing this is a small minority of people who tarnish Watford’s good name."

Thursday’s raids were the third arrest phase of Operation Carousel, which has been launched to tackle football-related disorder.

Supt Jameson said she has never seen such violence during her time policing Watford games.

She said: "We have visitors coming into the town and they don’t want to see violence. It could actually affect the town’s economy if people don’t want to come in on a Saturday because thugs are rolling around.

"I’m sure there were members of the public enjoying a peaceful drink on Tuesday; can you imagine the fear of seeing something like that?

"This is why it is so strange, you don’t commit violence on your own doorstep unless provoked - but this is the other way around. We will not tolerate Watford people doing it on their own doorstep.

"Watford is a family club. In fact, it was one of the safest places you could attended a match - but there is a change in the air from, I stress, a small minority."

Watford’s Deputy Commander urged Watford supporters to think of the long-term consequences before making a "stupid mistake". 

Supt Jameson is also appealing for the public’s help to identify three men her officers would also like to speak to in connection with the Bolton brawl.

She said: "We believe the men pictured have vital information which could assist our investigation. I would urge the men pictured or anyone who knows them to call police immediately. 

"Equally, if any members of the public suspect somebody is involved in football violence I would urge them to call us."

Watford fans were ranked the seventh best-behaved fans in the Championship last season.

According to Government figures, there were just 14 arrests and only one Watford fan slapped with a banning order during the 2013/14 season.

Contact police on the 101 enquiry line with any information or, alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0333 270 3090.