Four men were arrested after masked men with “swords and knives” attacked spectators at the Kabaddi tournament
- The four men remain in police custody while the investigation is ongoing
Police have arrested four men following an incident at a Kabaddi tournament in which “shots were fired” and masked men attacked each other while “wielding swords and knives”.
Armed police officers stormed the Derby Kabaddi compound on Sunday afternoon after the riot allegedly sparked by rival gangs.
Four men, aged 24, 28, 30 and 38, have now been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and violent rioting.
Four people were injured and taken to hospital after the attack, two of whom have since been released.
In a statement released after the incident, the England Kabaddi Federation (EKF) condemned the attacks.
Armed police officers (pictured) rushed to the scene of the crime in Alvaston, Derbyshire on Sunday
Videos posted to Twitter showed onlookers fleeing the chaos
Spectators claimed they heard “gunshots” at the sporting competition in Derbyshire on Sunday
Four people were taken to hospital for treatment after the incident
They said: “EKF strongly condemns the incident that occurred yesterday at the Derby Kabaddi tournament.”
“EKF understands that there was a fight between unknown individuals in the parking lot, which then spread to the entrance gates of the Kabaddi playgrounds, which, as always, were secured by a 2 meter high security fence.”
“However, the people involved did not manage to overcome the barriers to the field.”
Although it was a horrific and frightening incident, no bystander (player, official or spectator) was attacked or involved in any way.
“Initial unconfirmed investigations indicate that this was a prearranged fight between rival Midlands gangs.”
“The Derby Kabaddi tournament appears to have been chosen by these gangs purely at random for reasons known only to them.”
“The police declared the entire area a crime scene, forcing EKF to cancel the tournament.”
Television footage of the tournament from the Panjab Broadcasting Channel caught the moment when the live commentary is cut off as terrified spectators behind wire fences run away from the threat.
A group appears to be marching in step and a man is seen brandishing what appears to be a large knife or bat around his head.
Video footage posted to Twitter also showed terrified crowds running from gunfire.
Video footage posted to Twitter shows a man holding what appears to be a large sword
Police swarmed the area after the shooting at the Kabaddi tournament
People could be seen screaming and stumbling to get to their cars and flee the scene.
Police have now confirmed that they are actively looking for eyewitnesses to come forward.
A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: “We are interested in hearing from anyone who was in the area at the time of the event, as well as anyone who has video footage.”
“If you have video footage of the event please let us know via the dedicated email address [email protected].
“After the incident, numerous vehicles remained at the scene. We would like to speak to the owners of these vehicles and urge them to contact us as soon as possible using one of the following methods, quoting reference number 682 dated 21st August.
“In addition, anyone with information that may assist in our investigation is asked to contact us using one of the following methods, quoting reference number 739 dated August 20.”