Murder team investigate fan death

7 September 2011 Last updated at 02:28 ET

Police officers were called to the scene just outside the stadium at about 19:20 BST

Six people are under arrest following the death of a Wales fan before the match against England at Wembley.

The man, aged 44, was taken to hospital with head injuries after suffering cardiac arrest outside the stadium.

Cardiff City have confirmed that the man, who died in hospital shortly before 21:00 BST on Tuesday, was a supporter of the club.

The six arrested are thought to be Wales supporters and police do not believe any England fans were involved.

The Met’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command is investigating.

In a statement on its web Cardiff City said: “Late on Tuesday night details reached us concerning a tragedy where a Wales and Cardiff City supporter died at the match between England and Wales.

“Out of respect for the family of the supporter, the sensitivity of the situation and until full details are circumstances are ascertained, no statements will be made until deemed fit by proper channels.”

‘Extensive efforts’

It is not believed inter-club rivalry is behind the incident.

Emergency services were called to an area outside Wembley at about 19:20 BST, following reports of an assault shortly before kick-off.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended. A man, believed to be aged in his 40s, was taken to a north London hospital suffering from head injuries. He was pronounced dead at 8.50pm.

“Police believe they know the man’s identity, but await formal identification and confirmation that all next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem will be scheduled in due course.”

A London Ambulance Service (LAS) spokesman added: “Staff treated a 44-year-old man who had suffered a cardiac arrest. Extensive efforts were made to resuscitate the patient and he was taken to hospital.”

Staff on standby at the international match were on the scene within three minutes, the spokesman said.

The man was taken to a north London hospital in an ambulance belonging to a private medical contractor employed by Wembley.

‘No shouting’

A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

Police believe they have identified the victim but await formal confirmation that all his next of kin have been informed.

Ollie Ayton, who was at the match and close by when the incident happened, said he had heard the man fall to the ground.

“I did not see him fall as I was facing the other way but I turned immediately to see him unconscious.

“There did not appear to be any fight before; I cannot confirm this as I did not see it, but there was no excess noise or shouting that signalled a fight.

“My friends and I went to watch the match after we realised we couldn’t help.

“I left 85 minutes into the game and there were lots of police officers and the area was cordoned off.”

England won the European Championship qualifying match 1-0.

— ’re ’s , . : A ‘Malign Intellectual Subculture’ – George Monbiot Smears Chomsky, Herman, Peterson, Pilger And Media Lens.