Large Police Presence at Edgar Street

Large numbers of police were deployed around Edgar Street yesterday afternoon as supporters of both Torquay and Hereford left the ground.

Torquay had brought over 300 fans with them but there had not been any hint of trouble inside the ground before and during the game.

It is difficult to understand the approach the police have recently used. Yesterday anyone who had parked in the market was made to walk towards the multi-story before being able to cross the livestock area to reach their vehicle. The gates opposite the entrance to Merton Meadow were locked.

Yet no Torquay coaches had been parked in the market. So fans were not going to mix.

Meanwhile professional pick-pockets were said to be operating in the center of Hereford yesterday afternoon. Some stores were warning customers to be extra careful.

It isn't known why police presence outside Edgar Street was so heavy yesterday. Unless they had intelligence to suggest trouble was expected, which seems unlikely, some of them might have been better employed in High Town rounding up the pick-pockets.

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