SEVEN suspected football hooligans were arrested after police in Preston and South Ribble carried out a number of early morning raids on their homes yesterday (Wednesday).

They were arrested in connection with a violent disturbance in Leeds city centre prior to the Preston North End's away match with Leeds United on Saturday October 16.

After being questioned they were given police bail until November 17.

One condition of the bail is that they do not attend Preston's home match with Leeds on Saturday or the match with Millwall at Deepdale on November 13.

Police said this was part of an ongoing police investigation and expect further arrests to be made in relation to football disorder.

The crackdown was welcomed by Preston North End's management and by the official supporters club.

Karen Wolstenholme, secretary of PNE official supporters club, said: "I have the greatest respect for the police for carrying this out.

"Hooliganism seems to be on the rise and it has to be stamped out, anyone who carries out violence when following our team is not a real PNE fan."

David Holden, ground safety officer for PNE, added: "The club are fully supportive of any action the police carry out that helps reduce hooliganism."

The Crown Prosecution Service in Leeds are now expected to evaluate the evidence before deciding whether court action should follow.

Detective Inspector Andy Murphy, who led the investigation, said: "This was an incident that we have been treating very seriously.

"I hope that these arrests send out a firm message that this type of behaviour by Preston fans, either home or away, is not acceptable.

"While we have made a number of arrests, this investigation is ongoing and we are looking to make further arrests over the coming weeks."