Police have made five further arrests in connection with brawls which took place before and after the Watford FC vs Bolton Wanderers football match on Saturday, August 9.

The main fight occurred at approximately 2.45pm in Market Street and involved up to 30 people. No one was reported to have injuries.

Five men from Bolton aged between 21 and 48 were arrested on Tuesday by officers from the Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Specialist Investigation Team, supported by officers from Greater Manchester Police, on suspicion of violent disorder under section 2 of the Public Order Act.

The men have been released on police bail until October 30 pending further enquiries.

Six people from Watford were also arrested in connection with the incident on August 20. They are currently on bail.

Superintendent Sue Jameson, who leads the Constabulary’s response to football, said: "We are taking this matter extremely seriously and the latest arrests are part of our on-going investigation into the disorder.

"These arrests send a clear message to those who may be tempted to get involved in football related violence that is this behaviour is unacceptable. The investigation is on-going and we expect further arrests to be made."

Detective Inspector Jason Keane who leads the Local Crime Unit at Watford police station, added: "This type of incident is highly unusual for Watford. As part of the investigation we have spoken to a number of people who witnessed the events that day, however we are keen to speak to people who saw what happened or may have filmed the incident on their phones."

Witnesses have been asked to contact the police via the non-emergency number 101 quoting Operation Carousel.