Hundreds attend historic Shrove Tuesday ball game

An historic Shrove Tuesday ball game in Warwickshire has been held for the 824th time.

The Atherstone Ball Game is one of the oldest of its kind and has been held each year for centuries.

It sees hundreds of people grapple in the street for possession of a heavy ball.

Last year’s event was plagued by nasty injuries, prompting police to issue a warning.

Hundreds of people grapple in the street for possession of the ball

Crowds gathered from early in the afternoon for this year’s action in anticipation of the special ball being thrown from a balcony window at 15:00 GMT.

The game’s rules are simple: whoever has the ball in their possession after two hours is crowned the winner.

Last month, Warwickshire Police said it did not want to see an end to the game but suggested changes were needed to how it was managed.

“Levels of violence witnessed last year will not be tolerated,” the force said.

The game is one of the oldest of its kind

The force added officers feared somebody could suffer fatal or life changing injuries.

The game is privately run by a committee responsible for the safety of those attending.

Police warned they would act in the event of any violence or disorder

Vice chairman and chief marshal Rob Bernard said his team had carried out briefings with those taking part.

He explained he had made it clear police would act if they witnessed violence.

“It is the public’s game and if they choose to mistreat it then they are at risk of losing it,” he said.

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