WORLD Cup thugs went on the rampage last night as a series of running battles erupted in Blackburn town centre.

After the final whistle blew on England's victory over Tunisia, scuffles broke out in and around town centre pubs and 14 people were arrested in separate incidents before being released later on police bail.

The first major incident saw seven people arrested in a fight in Northgate and Sudell Cross at around 5.45pm.

Police later confirmed the brawl was sparked by "white males celebrating England's victory goading Asian youths." One of the men arrested was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with head injuries and later discharged.

Later, two people were arrested after 20 people were involved in a fight in The Jubilee, Blakey Moor.

Inspector Steve Haworth of Blackburn Police confirmed: "There was sporadic fighting between about 5.45pm and 10pm in different locations and 14 people were arrested, including a woman."

Darwen Police reported an incident outside the Park Hotel, Cemetery Road, and Accrington Police said it was a "rowdy evening", but there were no further arrests or injuries. Landlords at town centre pubs had been warned by police to look out for excessive drinking and violence.

Jack Roberts, landlord of Pitchers on Salford, said: "I had seven staff on during the match and we worked to our limit. I'm always worried about safety but we've followed a police directive and in the main people were very good humoured."

But a manager at another town centre pub, who did not want to be named said he saw many groups of men "having a go" at people and punches were thrown.

He added: "It was mostly outside, but we had one lad kicking off in here and threw him out straight away. "The police came round with a flyer which said we had to ring them straight away if there was any trouble. It also said we had to monitor the sale of intoxicants and prevent the purchase of large quantities."

Sergeant Stuart Bruce of Blackburn Police said: "We had anticipated problems but it was disappointing that a number of people lost control through drink.

"It would be useful if landlords considered the effects of customers drinking a lot of alcohol for the duration of the game and how that affects their behaviour after the match.

"There were enough officers on duty, but we will be looking at what happened yesterday and make sure we are in a position to protect people who are coming and going in a decent manner."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.