Teenage girl facing disorder charge

A TEENAGE girl has been charged with violent disorder following an incident which saw more than 300 people lob bricks and bottles at a Portuguese-owned pub as hooligans vented their anger at England's Euro 2004 exit.

The youngster, under 16, who lives in the Thetford area, and Daniel May, 20, of Wilbye Avenue, Diss, have both been charged with violent disorder.

They have been bailed to appear before Thetford Magistrates on August 19.

Norfolk Police have now charged 12 people with violent disorder, many in the last few days, in connection with the scenes on June 23.

The riot in Thetford's Market Square started minutes after England dramatically lost in a penalty shoot-out to the host nation Portugal, signalling the country's exit from the competition.

Hundreds of hooligans attacked the Red Lion pub, owned by a group of Portuguese businessmen, throwing bottles and bricks at the building.

At one point they attempted to force their way into the pub, which was protected by a ring of police officers, as almost 100 Portuguese fans, many women and children, and a smattering of English supporters became prisoners for more than two hours.

Pub bosses were left counting the costs after yobs shattered dozens of windows in one of the worst cases of football-related violence during the four-week tournament.

While many claimed the problems highlighted growing tensions between the English and Portuguese communities in Thetford, the violence gripped the community with fear as they braced themselves for further trouble as the Portuguese national side progressed.

But an increased police presence ensured there were no more problems before the end of the competition earlier this month .

Following the incident, south west Norfolk MP Gillian Shephard described the scenes as appalling and branded the hooligans “thuggish”.

Detectives investigating the incident are still appealing for anyone with further information to contact them at Thetford Police Station on 01953 424242.