TEN people were arrested last night as tensions flared between rival football fans in Brighton.

There was a heavy police presence in the city ahead of kick-off as officers worked to keep rival groups of fans apart.

Four people were arrested in the city centre, three at Falmer station and another three at the Amex stadium.

Arrests were made for assault, affray, actual bodily harm, drunken behaviour, and possession of drugs.

One man was arrested for throwing a pie onto the pitch at the Amex.

The arrests were as follows:

A 25-year-old man from Croydon was arrested in Middle Street, Brighton, on suspicion of common assault and possession of a controlled drug of Class A - other.

A 23-year-old man from Shoreham was arrested in Queens Road, Brighton, on suspicion of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

A 55-year-old man from Shoreham was arrested at Amex Stadium on suspicion of affray.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested at Amex Stadium on suspicion of affray.

A 21-year-old man from Shoreham-by-Sea was arrested at Amex Stadium on suspicion of throwing a missile (a pie) onto a football playing area.

A 34-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested in West Street, Brighton, on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

A 31-year-old man from Bromley was arrested at Falmer railway station on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker.

A 57-year-old man from Lewisham was arrested at Falmer railway station on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker.

A 28-year-old man from Polegate was arrested on the approaches to Falmer railway station on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

An 18-year-old man from Chipstead was arrested at Brighton railway station on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

All remained in custody at 12 midnight on Tuesday.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said: “We were very pleased with the policing operation, which with the support of the security team and stewards at Brighton and Hove Albion ran very smoothly.

"Aside from a small number of localised incidents, the supporters of both sides were generally good-humoured and patient and I thank them for their co-operation.”