FOUR teenagers and a man from Barrow have now been arrested after a minibus was pelted with rocks after Barrow AFC's 2-0 win over York City.

Two people were taken to hospital with head injuries after the minibuses, which were carrying women and children, were attacked shortly after 5pm on Saturday as it travelled along the A590 Walney Road, between the fire station and the Ormsgill junction.

The two men were taken to Furness General Hospital with cuts to the head and face but have since both been discharged.

A 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man, both from Barrow, were later arrested and have been bailed pending further enquiries. Police have now confirmed a 15-year-old from Barrow was arrested yesterday and another 15-year-old boy from Barrow was arrested this morning.

All five have been arrested on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and affray. The teenager arrested this morning is still in custody and the other four have all been bailed until November 11.

Police later condemned the incident as "indefensible".

Chief Inspector Dave Bosson said: “This was a cowardly and deplorable incident and we are urging anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information which may assist us to call in.

“Thankfully this type of behaviour is extremely rare, which makes it all the more shocking.

"I’m sure all football fans in the Barrow area and beyond will join me in saying this type of incident is indefensible and we will do everything possible to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Chairman of Barrow AFC Paul Casson condemned the behaviour as a "mindless act of violence" and hopes that no Barrow fans were involved.

He said: "Obviously this was a mindless act of violence.

"Barrow AFC will not tolerate any kind of threatening behaviour and we wouldn't expect that of any true Barrow AFC supporter.

"I have full confidence in the police to carry out their investigation but if it was a Barrow AFC supporter and that they were at the game, they will be dealt with as severely as possible.

"It's just shocking - especially after such a wonderful day."

Mr Casson is now calling for people across Barrow to rally together to stop this kind of behaviour and let the perpetrators know that it will not be accepted by the community.

He said: "Too often football gets impugned by these mindless acts. The people of Barrow should band together and let people know that this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable.

"This is a broader issue than football and people who travel to our town should be treated with respect. They should be allowed to have a wonderful day and perceive this town in the best possible light."

The three who have been arrested and bailed have been issued strict bail conditions.

The terms of their bail include an exclusion zone around Barrow AFC’s home ground which will prevent them from attending any games while investigations are ongoing.

They cannot go into any licensed premises between 11am and 7pm on the day of a Saturday Barrow AFC home fixture or between 5pm and 11pm on the evening of a mid-week Barrow AFC home fixture. They are also not allowed to associate with each other.

Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to call PC Rickie Wallbank at Cumbria Constabulary on 101 quoting incident number 189 of 24 September 2016 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.