England fans warned after Kiev bar attack

England supporters in Kiev have been urged to be on their guard before and after tonight’s World Cup qualifier after three fans needed hospital treatment following a reportedly unprovoked attack in the Ukrainian capital on Sunday night.

The trio were released from hospital on Monday after they were ambushed outside a bar by up to 30 men wearing hoods, with pictures of blood-splattered streets in the city centre circulating on social networking sites.

Around 2,000 England supporters are expected to attend the match this evening and Rachel Barber, head of the UK police delegation in the Ukraine, is hopeful that there will be no repeat.

“We will be going round most of the major bars, including this particular one to make sure there are no problems,” she said.

“We would urge supporters to enjoy themselves but to do so without upsetting anybody. Hopefully the England fans will just have a good time in what is a fantastic city.”