A hero policeman set on fire by a flare during clashes with thugs at a football match has spoken of his ordeal.
PC Andrew Forbes was taken to hospital after the pyrotechnic was thrown towards him and became lodged in his uniform as police confronted fans outside Villa Park in Birmingham. West Midlands Police said five officers, two police dogs and two of the forces’ horses were injured when missiles were thrown by visiting fans during the Europa Conference League fixture between Aston Villa and Legia Warszawa on November 30.
From West Mercia Police, PC Forbes joined officers from other forces to stop the disorder which saw 45 men and one woman charged. Forty-three out of that total were charged with a public order offence, two with assaulting police officers and another with possession of a knife.
PC Forbes, 43, said he felt relieved not to have suffered life-changing injuries after being treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns during a two day-long stay in hospital.
The cop, who has 20 years of experience with the police, said: “I’m thankful my kit and training stood the test and I have an overwhelming relief I didn’t receive any injuries that will be everlasting. That certainly outweighs the ifs, buts and maybes.”
Those charged are aged between and 21 and 63, and around 40 are believed to be from Poland. A small number are believed to be UK residents, according to West Midlands Police.
Asst Ch Cons Damian Barratt from the force said: “It’s great Andrew has been able to make a swift recovery from his injuries and return to work.
“He was one of a huge number of officers on the night who put themselves in harm’s way and were able to prevent any members of the public being injured. The support that they have received from across the country and the footballing world has been fantastic to see.
“Our investigation into the appalling events of that night continues, and we’ll be continuing to gather evidence as work to review many hundreds of hours of footage continues over the coming weeks.”
Trainee Asst Ch Cons Grant Wills from West Mercia Police said Pc Forbes is a popular member of the force’s Wyre Forest Safer Neighbourhood Team both with the police and members of the community.
He added: “It was upsetting for all to learn of his injuries in this appalling act of violence.
“Andy is a regular on duty at football matches in our patch, therefore he is very experienced in dealing with large crowds and potential troublemakers and he would be the first to step forward and protect his fellow officers.”
Mr Wills said Pc Forbes was injured despite being in full protective kit, adding: “We are pleased Andy is making a speedy recovery and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to full duty as soon as possible. We will work with West Midlands Police to bring those responsible for this terrible night of violence to justice.”
West Midlands mayor Andy Street called for European football chiefs to take “strong action” after the violence. He thanked the “brave officers” and condemned the “deeply unpleasant scenes”.
In a previous statement, Chief Inspector Tim Robinson said: “This should have been a great evening of football which was enjoyed by fans from both clubs.
“Unfortunately, there were appalling scenes which saw away fans dangerously throw flares and other missiles at our officers.”
He said the “extreme violence” left police with no other choice but to prevent away fans entering the stadium, adding: “The safety of everyone is our priority and clearly we had no other option.”
