THREE football fans were attacked at Roots Hall moments after a Southend United match.

The incident happened in the west stand of the stadium and saw one of the victims – a teenage boy – suffer a black eye.

Police say the teenager’s friends were involved in an ‘exchange’ with a man sat behind them after the final whistle in the Shrimpers’ recent match against Dagenham and Redbridge.

The teenager tried to intervene but was then assaulted, along with two of his friends.

The incident happened on March 15 and detectives are urging witnesses to come forward.

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A police spokesman said: “The man is described as aged between 30 and 40 but there are no further details.

“We are asking anyone who watched the game from the west stand who witnessed the incident immediately after the final whistle to get in touch.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage of it, should submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Quote reference number 42/66612/22.

You can also call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111