POLICE are seeking to impose banning orders on football supporters who let off smoke bombs on Sunday's match between Chester FC and AFC Telford.

Cheshire police are appealing for witnesses and information after a number of smoke bombs were let off at the Deva Stadium when the visitors equalised in the 1-1 draw in the second half, at about 4.20pm.

Three smoke bombs, which were let off in the away section of fans, were ignited. Two were thrown onto the pitch, while the third was ignited amongst the supporters and remained in the stand.

One woman suffered breathing difficulties and was treated at the scene by paramedics, before returning to the stand.

There were no reports to police at the scene of any further injuries. However, officers are aware of media reports relating to a nine-year-old boy and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers are working with both clubs to establish who is responsible and to assist in seeking banning orders for those people.

Inspector Anna Galloway said: “While the vast majority of fans were well behaved throughout the match, sadly there were a small number of fans who decided to ignite and throw smoke bombs.

“Throwing objects onto the pitch during a regulated football match is a criminal offence and we are working closely with both clubs to identify those responsible.

“As part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who knows the identity of those involved along with anyone who may have video footage of the incident.”

AFC Telford issued a statement following the game, condemning the "small minority of away supporters" which the club said had left a nine-year-old requiring hospital treatment on the evening following the match.

The club said: "AFC Telford United would like remind supporters we are committed to eradicate the use of flares, smoke bombs and pyrotechnics at our matches.

"Flares and smoke bombs disrupt play and people’s enjoyment of games, and the toxins they contain can seriously damage health which can cause life-threatening injury or concern.

"Being in possession of a flare or smoke bomb at a football match, or attempting to bring a pyrotechnic device into a football stadium, is a criminal offence.

"We will take the strongest action available against anyone found in possession of a flare, smoke bomb or any other such pyrotechnic device, and spectators are warned that we and The National League apply a zero-tolerance approach to anyone attempting to bring such device into any stadium when following AFC Telford United.

"AFC Telford United we will be working with Chester and their CCTV from this afternoon to identify the individuals who were responsible for today. Anyone found responsible will be dealt with in the strongest matter possible.

"If any Telford supporter is found to have been involved in any anti-social behaviour, then they we will be banned from New Bucks Head for life."

Separately, Chester FC condemned people throwing objects on to the pitch from the Harry McNally Terrace during the match.

The club said: "We strongly condemn behaviour of this nature, which is both dangerous and damaging to our club.

"The Board is proud of our reputation as a family club and we will not tolerate this behaviour. We will be reviewing video footage and anyone identified as being guilty of throwing objects will be dealt with in the strongest possible terms. We will also be reviewing our internal procedures to determine whether these can be strengthened.

"We trust this message acts as a warning to those involved, and also provides reassurance to the vast majority of our supporters who will share our displeasure and frustration."

Anyone with any information in or video footage in relation to the smoke bombs incident is urged to contact Cheshire Police by visiting https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ quoting IML 1160301.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously