POLICE raided a coach carrying Crystal Palace supporters to Blackburn and arrested two men and seized a knife and a quantity of alcohol.

Officers from Operation Arrowtip, a Metropolitan Police initiative tackling football hooliganism, stopped the coach at about 8am on Saturday in South Norwood Hill, South Norwood, south London.

One man was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs, Scotland Yard said.

A second was held under the Explosives Act for possession of pyrotechnics. He was also found to be in possession of a substance believed to be a Class A drug.

Both men were taken to a south London police station. They remained in custody yesterday.

A lock knife was seized, together with five bin-bags of beer, cider, wine and spirits.

The coach did not continue on its journey. The driver has been reported under the Sporting Events Act (1985).

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Barnes, head of Operation Arrowtip, said: “The Metropolitan Police Service takes a proactive approach to preventing football related disorder and we will deal robustly with anyone who sees football as justification for violent behaviour and criminal activity.”

Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Ewood Park, with Jordan Rhodes’ equaliser three minutes before half-time, securing Blackburn’s npower Championship status.