Coventry City fan 'terrified' after armed police attend coach on way to match

Patrick Balcarres, of Kingsway, Coventry, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon



Armed police attended a Coventry City supporter's bus after a man allegedly pulled out a knife. Witnesses allege the incident took place on a coach travelling down to the team's Championship fixture against Fulham on Sunday, April 10.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that armed response officers attended a service station on the M1 at around 11.20am on Sunday following an alleged incident. The bus was organised by Dhillons' Brewery.

A witness who was on the bus at the time of the alleged incident claimed that a man was seen with a knife following an altercation. Armed officers entered the bus and later arrested a 35-year-old man.

Patrick Balcarres, of Kingsway, Coventry, was charged for a public order offence and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.

The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the incident was 'terrifying'.

He told Coventry Live: "It happened on the way there to the game. The coach had to stop at the services so armed police could make an arrest.

"Honestly, I was p****d off because the coach was already late picking us up and this delayed us another hour. Other than that it was an amazing day.

London Metropolitan Police told Coventry Live: "A man has been charged following an arrest on the M1 on Sunday, 10 April.

"Patrick Balcarres, of Kingsway, Coventry, was charged with a section 4 public order offence and one count of possession of an offensive weapon. He was remanded to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 11 April."