Wave of Arrests at Wembley as England Beat Poland After Hooligan Fears

Thirty six fans were arrested by police at Wembley last night as England booked their place at next year's World Cup.

A man who ran onto the pitch during the match was among those held in a joint policing operation between the Metropolitan Police and Polish authorities to tackle hooligan fears.

England won 2-0 at a packed Wembley Stadium despite 18,000 Polish fans cheering on the visitors. Thirty five of those arrested were supporting the away team.

Flares were lit during the qualifying clash, despite them being banned inside football grounds in England. Police arrested 16 people for carrying the items.

Six people were held on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, five arrests were made for suspected affray, there were two drug arrests and six for other offences.

A single England supporter was arrested by police during the evening.

Nine suspects were held in custody last night, eight people were issued with cautions and three were handed fixed penalty notices.

Marcin Lukomski, 34, was arrested after a man burst onto the field of play during the game, wearing a jester's hat. The game was held up while the pitch invader gave stewards the run around before being tackled to the ground.

A massive policing operation was in force to prevent outbreaks of disorder, which included a complete ban on alcohol inside the stadium and featured officers drafted in from Poland to collar known hooligans.

Poland fans were expected to make enough noise to create the atmosphere of a home game for the visitors, and they did not disappoint.

But the England team ensured it was home fans singing come full time, with goals by Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.