Officers investigating a mass brawl between Coventry City and Leicester City fans have charged 17 people with violent disorder.

A total of 18 people, all male, were arrested by police in a series of dawn raids. One was later bailed without charge. The arrests were connected to a disorder which broke out prior to a Championship fixture between the clubs on February 23.

The violence in Earlsdon, Coventry, saw shoppers forced to seek refuge in a church and local houses as fans of both teams clashed, using bricks, glasses and bottles as weapons.

Approximately 130 officers from West Midlands Police and Leicestershire Constabulary were involved in the raids on 14 addresses in Leicester and six in Coventry.

Det Insp Bob Pettipher, from Coventry's Chace Avenue police station, said he hoped the police operation would send a clear message to anyone thinking of causing football-related disorder.

"Where serious disorder occurs, officers will make every effort to bring offenders to justice," Mr Pettipher warned.

Seven Leicester City supporters and three Coventry City fans were arrested on the day of the violence, which broke out near a pub on Earlsdon Avenue North.

Of the 17 people charged, 12 are from Leicestershire and five are from Coventry, West Midlands Police said. All 17 will appear before magistrates in Coventry at the end of July.