Four police officers injured during violence ahead of West Ham vs Manchester United clash

Police horses charge at a mob of West Ham fans
Getty
Mark Chandler11 May 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Four police officers were injured after being hit by missiles thrown during violence ahead of West Ham's final match at Upton Park, the Met has revealed.

Three people were arrested as ugly scenes marred the historic clash with Manchester United last night.

The Red Devils' team bus was bombarded with bottles and missiles during violence ahead of West Ham's last game at the Boleyn ground.

Scotland Yard said four officers were inured as riot police were sent in to deal with the clashes.

Images from the scene showed green smoke bombs bouncing on to the tarmac while bottles appeared to be hurled at Manchester United’s bus, smashing windows.

Clashes marred West Ham's last match at Upton Park 
Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Detectives from the force's central football unit were scouring CCTV footage this morning for further evidence after the violence broke out.

The carnage led to a 45-delay to the match, which ended with a ceremony of West Ham greats before fans ripped up seats and took them home as souvenirs.

One man has since been detained on suspicion of affray and two others, aged 47 and 18, were arrested for allegedly running on to the pitch.

Police say no arrests have been made over damage caused to the United coach and nobody on board the vehicle was injured.

Riot police at the ground after the game
PA

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan appeared to try to pass some of the blame on to Manchester United for arriving at the ground while fans were also making their way for the final ground.

He told Sky Sports immediately after the incident: "I'm gravely disappointed, more for our supporters.

"What people forget [about the kick-off being delayed] is they've got trains and buses to get home and we've got a wonderful, wonderful show after the game for them.

"Many just can't stay any more.

Projectiles: Fans crowd around the team coach as bottles are thrown
Getty

"Man United should have got here at 4pm. They know it's our last game. They had the same problem at Tottenham a few weeks ago.

"I think the police and officials have been kind. I'd make them kick off at 7.45pm if I was in charge."

A West Ham United spokesman said: "We are aware that there were some supporters outside the Boleyn Ground who didn't act in an appropriate way when the Manchester United team bus was damaged.

"That was not acceptable and we will work with the police to identify those responsible and ban them for life."

Anyone with information on the scenes outside Upton Park last night should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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