POLICE chiefs revealed last night that they had been on alert for potential violent clashes involving North-East football supporters at a weekend match.

A Darlington fan and two Grimsby Town followers were arrested by Humberside Police during a highly charged game between the League Two clubs on Saturday.

Several Quakers' fans had to be escorted into the Mariners' Blundell Park ground by officers after trouble broke out in the town centre before kick-off.

They were said to be involved in scuffles outside a McDonald's restaurant and were led to the stadium by police.

Two Grimsby fans - a man and his 16-year-old son - were arrested at the end of the match for public order offences.

A Quakers supporter will also appear in court tomorrow after they were arrested for invading the pitch during the game, which Darlington won 1-0.

Football intelligence officer Alan Rutter said security had been upgraded before the game, amid concerns that fighting could break out.

PC Rutter said: "We upgraded the fixture because we anticipated that travelling supporters from Darlington would be capable of causing some disorder.

"A number of coaches were intercepted, searched and alcohol was seized."

Darlington supporters were being filmed during the day for a Sky One show about travelling fans.