Moment West Ham fans guide woman and child to safety during Upton Park violence

Rescue mission: West Ham fans were seen helping a woman and child
Getty
Mark Chandler11 May 2016
WEST END FINAL

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West Ham fans guide a terrified mother and her young child to safety after violence broke out before the club's match with Manchester United.

The dramatic images show a fan in a West Ham hat and another man shielding the distressed-looking woman, seen clutching her little boy, from hurled bottles, as smoke bombs explode around them.

Supporters were seen hurling bottles and at the Manchester United team bus ahead of the club's final home game at Upton Park last night.

Riot police had to be called in to deal with the chaotic scenes outside the ground, with three men being arrested during the melee and kick-off delayed by 45 minutes.

West Ham fans were seen helping a woman and child as violence erupted
Getty

The Met said four police officers and one member of the public suffered injuries in the violence.

Some West Ham fans have slammed the "idiots" for their behaviour, insisting the chaos had been caused by a small minority.

The striking pictures were shot amid chaotic scenes at Upton Park
Getty

Henry Pryor tweeted: "Shame that West Ham final game will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Embarrassment for all true fans, shame for the minority of idiots."

And Chris Dunlop wrote: "Glad to hear West Ham are imposing life time banning orders for anyone identified attacking Man Utd coach. Get rid of them all not true fans."

Keith Yeo complained: "Idiot West Ham 'fans' ruined what should have been a wonderful night for the true supporters."

And Dawn Potter tweeted: "The true West Ham fans were in the stadium to watch football, shame on the louts that were there to do this."

In Pictures: West Ham vs Man United Boleyn Ground farewell

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The match was West Ham's last at Upton Park, ending a 112 history at the stadium before next season's move to Stratford.

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