THIRTY police swooped on four homes as part of an investigation into an organised fight between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley fans on derby day.

The raids followed a brawl at The Station pub in Cherry Tree, in the hours after the East Lancashire derby clash.

Four arrests were made which police said were ‘the culmination of a detailed and complex investigation to identify’ those believed to be involved.

Support units, response officers and search teams executed the warrants on houses in Blackburn and Nelson at 8am yesterday.

The houses targeted were in Edge End Avenue, Nelson, and Shadsworth Road, Shadsworth, Greenside Avenue, Mill Hill, and Pritchard Street, Hollin Bank, all Blackburn.

Four men aged 17, 19, 28 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Also seized during the raid at the address in Nelson were 200 ecstasy tablets.

The 19-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Blackburn Rovers won the derby on Sunday, October 18.

The day generally passed peacefully, with the Station pub being the only major incident.

At the time, police described it as a ‘serious planned public order incident’ and made more than 30 arrests.

Police reported bottles and glasses being thrown at officers, vehicles and horses.

Some officers suffered minor injuries and a police horse was injured by glass.

People inside the pub described chaotic scenes as a group of Burnley fans made their way from the train station into The Station, where they clashed with Rovers supporters.

The post-match disorder happened around 6.15pm.

Detective Inspector Jill Johnston said: “These arrests were the culmination of a detailed and complex investigation to identify those believed to be involved in the disorder at The Station pub last month.

“This should demonstrate our commitment to tackling people suspected of committing football related violent disorder.”

The 28-year-old man has been bailed pending further inquiries and the other three men were being questioned yesterday.

Police inquiries continue and officers are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thwaites bosses have stressed that football violence outside one of their pubs on derby day had no link with the premises or its customers.

Andrew Buchanan, of Daniel Thwaites, said: “The Station has a long-standing reputation for being a warm, family pub at the heart of the local community.”