POLICE have been accused of using heavy-handed tactics after video footage posted on the internet showed them hitting Burnley fans with batons.

MP Kitty Ussher and the Football Supporters' Federation are calling for a full investigation after viewing the 40-second clip taken during last weekend's derby with Blackburn Rovers.

Police have referred their controlling of the match to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), but defended the tactics used.

The clip, filmed in the David Fishwick Stand, also known as the Cricket Field Stand, at the end of Sunday's derby match, shows officers using their batons to try and disperse around 30 fans from the home end.

One officer in particular is seen to use his baton around a dozen times to hit fans who were heading for the exits.

Police said a 'small number' of Burnley fans refused to leave the stand, and objects were being thrown.

The force said the group then surged forward and knocked over officers, so police used the 'nationally approved' tactics of using their asp batons.

No injuries had been reported, police said.

Mrs Ussher, MP for Burnley, said it looked as if inappropriate levels of force had been used.

She said: "I agree with the Football Supporters' Federation and my constituents who are concerned about it and I would be happy to support their call for it to be reviewed.

"Then we can get an independent decision as to whether it was over the top".

A huge policing operation across East Lancashire saw 43 people arrested on the day, and 150 seats were ripped up by Blackburn Rovers fans.

The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF), which represents fans across the country and is the best known supporters group in the UK with more than 140,000 members, slammed the action of the police.

Amanda Jacks, who sits on the executive committee for the FSF, said: "We have got huge concerns about the way that the match was policed.

"The video footage is of particular concern. As I understand it a police officer can only use their baton in that aggressive way if they seriously fear for their safety.

"We have concerns across the board over the heavy-handed way in which the match was policed.

"There must a be a full review of the policing operation on the day.

"We have been contacted by many fans who are upset at what happened.

"We are all aware of the potential for trouble at the match and the difficult job the police had but that does not mean that their behaviour should not be scrutinised."

Yesterday the FSF were appealing for Burnley fans involved to contact them, and had sent the footage to a solicitor.

The YouTube video, which has been given an obscure title, has already been viewed 2,500 times.

Peter Pike, chairman of the Clarets Trust, said the video raised concerns but some fans weren't entirely innocent.

"We know that there were actions taken by a minority of fans from both sides that were totally unacceptable.

"There is going to be a de-briefing at which the trust will be involved and I am sure the police and Burnley Football Club are already looking at any concerns raised and the decisions taken.

"I would urge any eye witnesses who have any information to contact the police, the club or ourselves so that we can pursue it further if needed to establish what happened."

A police spokesman said they had started a 'thorough review' of the policing of the game, which Blackburn won 1-0.

He said: "As a matter of procedure we have also voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

"The main aim of any football policing operation is to maintain public safety and to ensure that people get to and from the ground safely.

"We are pleased to say as always, the vast majority of supporters behaved impeccably.

"This incident occurred at the end of the match when a small number of Burnley fans refused to leave the Cricket Field Stand.

"Stewards and police officers tried to persuade this group to leave and during this time objects were being thrown from both sides.

"This group then surged forward and knocked over officers.

"The officers drew their asps and dispersed the crowd.

"This is a nationally-approved tactic and there have been no reports of any injuries.

"In addition to the review of the policing operation, Lancashire Constabulary, Burnley Football Club and Blackburn Rovers Football Club have launched an investigation into the behaviour of some of those supporters situated in both sides of the Cricket Field Stand."