Armed police rush to Derby kabaddi match after ‘sword and machete’ violence erupts leaving three hospitalised

A Derby kabaddi sports tournament was shut down after violence erupted on the sports ground at Alvaston Lane.

The kabaddi tournament which was due to run from 10 am till 6pm was interrupted just before 4pm on Sunday, August 20 when masked intruders ran onto the field.

Crowds could be seen running away as a large group of masked assailants stalked onto the sports ground.

Rival gang warfare is thought to have sparked the violence that left one person seriously injured and two others hospitalised.

According to eyewitness accounts, some of the masked people held swords or machete-like weapons.

Gun-fire is also reported to have been heard at the event, which resulted in armed police swooping in to halt the popular tournament.

Gagandeep Singh posted this footage under his X social media profile @Gagan4344, of the kabaddi sports match in disarray.

Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, wrote on social media: "We’re extremely saddened to hear that this has happened in our city.

“We will continue to work closely with Derbyshire police over the coming days.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident in Alvaston."

Derbyshire Police said in a statement: "We were called to a large scale disturbance in Alvaston at 15.51 on Sunday 20 August.

"Three people have been injured, one seriously.

"They have all been taken to hospital.

“There is a large police presence in the area and officers are expected to remain at the scene for some time.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, is asked to contact us quoting the reference 739 of 20 August.”