First published on Wednesday 22 November 2000: Football yobs in police escort KIDDERMINSTER Police have defended their action to let football thugs into the town after fighting broke out on Saturday. Pub licensees were shocked to find about 30 hooligans on the rampage after Kidderminster Harriers' clash against Burton Albion despite prior warnings thugs were expected. Nine were arrested after fighting broke out outside the Farmers pub, Comberton Hill, at about 5pm and trouble flared as police and hooligans had a two-hour stand-off at the railway station. The yobs, mainly Derby County "fans", refused to board one train but finally left under police escort at about 9pm. Kidderminster Police duty inspector Ian Massey explained the police were powerless to prevent the thugs from entering the town. He said: "We received intelligence reports they were coming but were powerless to turn them away. It would be an infringement of their civil liberties." Police spotters identified troublemakers and those causing offences were arrested. Insp Massey said: "Although there were a number of ugly scenes these were caused by a minority of people. "There were no reports of serious injuries or extensive damage." Railway Bell landlord Bill Campbell, one of many licensees who closed their doors on police advice, was aghast the hooligans were allowed in town and incensed it took four hours for them to go after fighting broke out. He said: "The police talk about civil liberties. What about our civil liberties and all those people who were frightened on the hill? "The police had riot gear. Why didn't they just steam in and get rid of them? "Also, I didn't recognise any Kidderminster Police who could have spotted yobs from around here." Insp Massey reiterated the police could not act unless an offence was committed and pointed out the thugs were contained in isolation, away from the public, at the railway station. He said Kidderminster personnel were on duty but many were drafted in from specialist functions and others were new recruits. The police had started a review of the day's operation to see if there were any lessons to be learned. However, traders on Comberton Hill praised the police presence during the day, which led to a trouble-free afternoon. Joan O'Brien, owner of ladies fashion shop Mayos, said: "The police did an excellent job. "They were out in force and made sure it was a safe, secure environment for people to shop - trade was not affected. "The evening sounds a different matter but landlords who let these people spend the afternoon getting drunk should not really complain." 1997/98