Four men arrested after masked men ‘wielding swords and knives’ attacked spectators at kabaddi tournament
Four men arrested after masked men ‘with swords and knives’ attacked spectators during the Kabaddi tournament
- The four men are still in custody while the investigation is ongoing
Police have arrested four men after an incident at a kabaddi tournament in Alveston on Sunday in which ‘gunshots were fired’ and masked men attacked each other while ‘wielding swords and knives’.
Armed police had rushed to Derby Kabaddi grounds after the commotion allegedly caused by rival gangs.
Four men aged 24, 28, 30 and 38 have now been arrested on suspicion of firearms possession and violent disorder.
After the attack, four people were injured and taken to hospital. Two of them have since been released.
In a statement released after the incident, the English Kabaddi Federation (EKF) condemned the attacks.
Armed police (pictured) rushed to a scene in Alvaston, Derbyshire
Videos posted to Twitter showed onlookers running from the chaos
Spectators claimed they heard ‘gunshots’ during Sunday’s sports match in Derbyshire
Four people were taken to hospital for treatment after the incident
They said, ‘EKF condemns the incident that took place yesterday at the Derby Kabaddi Tournament in the strongest terms.
EKF understands that a fight broke out between unknown persons in the parking lot, which then spread to the entrance gates of the Kabaddi playgrounds, which were, as always, secured with a 2-meter high security fence.
‘However, the persons involved did not get past the crush barriers that protected the field.
Although it was a gruesome and terrifying incident, no stander (player, official or spectator) was attacked or involved in any way.
“Initial unconfirmed investigations indicate it was a pre-arranged fight between rival gangs in the Midlands. EKF would like to emphasize that the gangs in question have no connection whatsoever with any club affiliated with the EKF or its members.
“The Derby Kabaddi tournament seems to have been chosen purely at random by these gangs for reasons known only to them.
‘The police declared the entire area a crime scene, forcing EKF to suspend the tournament.’
Panjab Broadcasting Channel’s broadcast footage of the tournament had shown the moment when the live commentary cuts out as terrified spectators flee from the threat behind barbed wire.
A group appears to be marching in unison and a man is seen waving what appears to be a large knife or club around his head.
Video footage posted to Twitter also showed terrified crowds running from what sound like gunfire.
Video footage posted to Twitter shows a man carrying what appears to be a large sword in his hand
The area was swarming with police after shots were fired at the Kabaddi tournament
People could be seen screaming and stumbling trying to get to their car and flee the scene.
The police have since confirmed that they are actively looking for eyewitnesses who want to come forward.
A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: ‘We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the event and from anyone who has video footage.
“If you have video footage of the event, please share it with us at the dedicated OperationOakridge@Derbyshire.Police.Uk email address.
“After the incident, a large number of vehicles are still on the site. We would like to speak to the owners of these vehicles and request that they contact us as soon as possible using one of the methods below, quoting the reference number 682 dated 21 August.
“In addition, anyone with information that may assist our investigation is asked to contact us using one of the methods below, quoting reference number 739 dated August 20.”