Police probe after 'dangerous' flares set off during Chelsea vs Crystal Palace match

Pyrotechnics recovered by police after the Chelsea v Crystal Palace match
Met Police
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Football fans are under investigation after flares and smoke bombs were set off during Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Several 'thunderflash' pyrotechnics – which are banned from football matches – were also set off during Saturday’s Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.

A number of flares and pyrotechnic devices were later found hidden inside toilets at the stadium and a rucksack full of pyrotechnics was found dumped in nearby Brompton Cemetery, police said.

Police have appealed for information as they warned such devices can reach “extremely high temperatures” and cause “horrific injuries”.

Crystal Palace fans at Stamford Bridge on Saturday
AFP/Getty Images

The game was marred by five arrests, including two on suspicion of possession of a flare.

A third man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward, while two fans were arrested before the game on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs.

In Pictures | Chelsea vs Crystal Palace | 01/04/17

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Inspector Matt Ashmead, from the Met's Central Football Unit, said: "Several devices were let off inside the away end at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and officers seized a number of other devices on the day as well.

“Flares and pyrotechnic devices inside stadia are very dangerous and they can reach extremely high temperatures.

“There is a very good reason that they are banned from football matches, as they can cause horrific injuries and can also be frightening for the many young fans that attend matches.

"Some fans might think that setting off a flare is a good way to support your team, but it is putting yourself and fellow fans at risk.

“Bringing flares to football matches is completely unacceptable and you can expect to be arrested and charged if you are caught in possession of such a device."

Anyone with information can contact the Central Football Unit via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

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