Police investigating the attempted assault of Brentford FC fans by rival supporters as they travelled home by train have arrested nine men.

Up to 60 from 'Operation Aspen swooped on the homes of the suspects in a dawn raid last Wednesday and arrested the men on conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

The police action follows a match between Aldershot Town and The Bees at the Aldershot's EBB stadium on October 18 last year.

A group of Brentford supporters were under police escort in two carriages, which were also carrying other members of the public including women and children.

All of a sudden a large group of men, believed to be Aldershot supporters, attempted to confront their rivals on the train.

Luckily police were on hand to prevent the group from boarding the train, but Det Insp Matt Wratten, from British Transport Police, said the 'potential for serious disorder was high'.

Two of the people arrested are in their teens and the oldest is 47, with six living in Aldershot, one in Farnborough, one in Fleet and one Farnham.

DI Wratten said the arrests should serve as a warning to football hooligans that violence and disorder on the railways will not be tolerated.

"Members of the travelling public, including law abiding football fans, have the right to travel in safety and without fear of being embroiled in violence," he said.

"We will be seeking football banning orders against any supporter who seeks to involve themselves in disorder on the railways."

The men were bailed until April 9, with conditions including restrictions on travelling on the railway or London Underground network four hours before and after any Aldershot Town football match.

They are also restricted from attending any Aldershot match either at home or away.