Two 16-year-old boys have been arrested after another teenager was badly hurt in what police described as a “large fight” following a rugby league match.
The 17-year-old boy suffered a serious head injury in Dallam Lane, Warrington, just before 21:30 GMT on Friday, after Warrington Wolves hosted Widnes Vikings in a pre-season friendly at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The boy remains in hospital.
A 17-year-old boy, from Widnes, had already been arrested on suspicion of assault.
Cheshire Police said the two younger teenage boys, also from Widnes, were also arrested on suspicion of the same offence – but that all three had now been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Ch Insp Robert McLoughlin, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said: “Rugby League is a big part of the Warrington and Widnes culture, and the vast majority of fans attend to support their team and their community.
“However, in this instance, a select few chose to engage in behaviour which is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“I hope these arrests reassure residents that we are doing all we can to hold those involved accountable.”
Officers are appealing for information and witnesses to come forward.