Unruly mob trashes Melksham pub during Euro 2020 game

On Saturday (July 3) bits of roofing could be seen crashing onto furniture below at the Water Meadow in Melksham as a crowd jumped up and down on tables, bashing the outdoor cover with their fists.

Tables were overturned and copious amounts of glass smashed during England’s Euro 2020 match against Ukraine.

Chanting and jumping was so continuous, it is likely most people outside could barely see or hear the game.

Bar staff said they were on the “verge of tears” from the stress of it all.

Despite troublemakers being cut off, there were reports of alcohol being brought from off-premises, with outnumbered staff saying they felt “helpless.”

Revellers bash the roof of the Water Meadow in Melksham

While spirits were still high, patrons seated inside enjoyed the game without causing trouble.

Some could be heard calling the outside mob “idiots” and once they wandered off after the game, regulars could be seen helping sweep up glass and tidy the area.

As revellers spilled out into the night there were drunken fights spotted in the street, more broken glass spread across the road and even a car accident.

Parts of the Water Meadow's outdoor roof falling down

Wiltshire Police confirmed it was investigating an incident outside the pub where two women were hit by a car. One woman was taken to hospital with a head injury.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We are investigating an incident in Melksham where two women were struck by a car.

“It happened shortly after 10pm on Saturday evening (June 3) when the two female pedestrians were in the car park of The Water Meadow pub in Verbena Court.

“They were both involved in a collision with a black Audi.

Police at the scene of the accident outside the pub on Saturday night

“Initially, neither women were believed to be seriously injured, but one of them, a woman in her 50s, was later admitted to hospital with a head injury.

“The driver of the Audi remained at the scene and at this stage no arrests have been made.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would ask anyone with information, who has not yet spoken to us, to call Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting reference 54210064246.”

Shattered glass was left behind by the mob

It was not the first time the pub has faced trouble during the Euros matches. The game before when England played Germany on June 30, reportedly lights had been ripped down along with the German flag by the boisterous crowd.

The offending group were warned that if behaviour didn’t improve, the outdoor screens would have to be removed. But this threat did not appear to have any effect ahead of the weekend game.

The pub was forced to take the financial hit and remove the outdoor screens in time for Wednesday night’s semi-final against Denmark.

READ MORE Opinion: If you’re trashing a pub during the Euros, I doubt you're a true fan

While the mid-week indoor crowd were animated and loud enough - there was no repeat of Saturday’s troubles and staff were visibly more relaxed.

Jamie Pearce, general manager at the Water Meadow, said: “We have experienced our busier periods during the Euros and we understand that people want to enjoy themselves, but we also want to make sure that this is done safely and in respect of other customers dining with us.

“The majority of our customers have been really understanding and appreciative of our position and the restrictions in place, but there has to be a shared responsibility for everyone to behave appropriately.”

The scene of the accident after two women were hit outside the pub

Wiltshire Police has been called out to a number of incidents across Wiltshire linked to the Euros.

The force responded to 20 incidents and made six arrests during the England game against Germany on June 30.

Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “It is great to see the national team doing so well at the tournament and we understand the excitement that comes with that.

“We just ask people to be mindful of not letting that euphoria spill over into criminal activity.

READ MORE: Where you can watch the Euros 2020 football in Wiltshire

“Whilst, to date, we have had a good response from the public and the celebrations have been well mannered, we have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour in relation to the England games.

“We stress, especially being a weekend, that people drink responsibly and don’t let their actions impact negatively on the community.”

“Drink driving or violence of any kind will not be tolerated by Wiltshire Police and there is no excuse for it.”

According to Wiltshire Police, Saturday evening passed more peacefully across the county. It said that the vast majority of fans enjoyed the event in a responsible and law abiding manner.

Officers recorded nine incidents linked to the Euros quarter final across Wiltshire, but no arrests were made which were directly attributable to the football match.

Supt Staynings said: “We have been working closely with local authorities and licensed premises to ensure public safety.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who have been so good natured in their celebrations.”

“It is heartening to see that the vast majority of people have been mindful of their communities and have engaged really well with our officers.”

Police are yet to comment on Wednesday’s semi-final.