POLICE are to step up security to prevent clashes between rival fans at tomorrow night's North-East football derby between Darlington and Hartlepool United.

Extra officers will be drafted in as part of plans for a strong police presence to contain any trouble in and around Darlington's Feethams ground.

The announcement was made on a weekend when seven Hartlepool fans were arrested for public order offences.

The group of supporters was involved in a disturbance with opposition fans shortly after their team's 1-0 defeat at York City, on Saturday.

A man from York was also arrested. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the trouble, which broke out on Davygate, to contact them.

Hartlepool supporters will be making the short journey to Darlington for a 7.30pm kick-off tomorrow and have been allocated the 2,000-capacity South Terrace.

A spokesman for Darlington police said yesterday: "There will be extra bobbies drafted in to make sure the match goes off smoothly and calmly.

"There's going to be a high police presence to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable evening.

"Other than that, it will be policed in the normal manner."

Security will be tight in the wake of a series of violent clashes which marred a match between the arch-rivals just under a year ago.

Officers had to use CS spray and batons to control ugly scenes which followed the 1-1 draw, in March.

Away fans being escorted to Darlington's Bank Top railway station were confronted in Victoria Road after home supporters charged out of local pubs.

Thirteen arrests were made, some for criminal damage and public order offences, while other fans were ejected from the ground for running on to the pitch during the sell-out game.

Writing on club websites afterwards, supporters said pub windows were smashed with bar stools and glasses and bricks were thrown.

Anyone with information about the incident in York on Saturday is asked to contact police, on (01904) 631321.