POLICE used batons to break up clashes between about 100 Oxford United and York City supporters in a pre-arranged conflict.

Officers are sure known hooligans from both sides planned the violence which saw them throwing bottles, glasses and other items in Blackbird Leys Road, Oxford, before Saturday's Conference clash.

Three York supporters were arrested for public disorder after a window was smashed at the Priory pub after the game, won 2-0 by the U's.

Oxford's football intelligence officer Det Con Huw Jamessaid it was the worst violence he had seen at United for at least two seasons.

He said: "Up to 60 (high) risk supporters from York City were found to be drinking in the Cowley area and they made their way to the Blackbird Leys area where it was clear to police that a pre-planned meeting with Oxford United risk supporters took place.

"It appears bottles, glasses and other items have been thrown between the groups."

He said after the groups were broken up, the York supporters were escorted to the Kassam Stadium, where the match passed peacefully.

But he added: "Prior to the end of the game a number of known York City fans left the ground and went to the Priory pub where it's alleged a number of them smashed a window.

"I think this is totally disgraceful that men in their 30s and 40s have taken it upon themselves to not just put themselves at risk but also members of the public in their area.

"It's very likely further arrests will be made, particularly of those from Oxford.

"This season this is by far the worst disorder we have seen. There was nothing like this last season."

Det Con James praised two colleagues, PCs Gary French and Steve Norman, for their courageous work splitting up the fans.

After the match police escorted York coaches about 20 miles to the A43 - out of the Thames Valley area - and then alerted Northamptonshire Police.

Police spokesman Adam Fisher said one of the arrested men was issued with a fixed penalty notice and the other two were released on police bail.