A Policeman was last night stabbed after officers out were called to break up a massive fight among fans at a first division football game in Somerset.

The 30-year-old constable suffered a wound to his side, but his injuries were not considered life-threatening, a spokesman said.

The stabbing took place at around 9.50 p.m., just minutes before the end of the game between Somerset and Boulevard at Somerset Cricket Club, which was being replayed after being abandoned on Saturday due to floodlight failure.

Police were called in after a series of incidents between fans collected at the eastern corner of the ground.

The Police officer, who appeared to be in civilian clothes, was carried by his arms and legs to a Police van where he was laid inside by colleagues before being rushed to Barnes Corner, Southampton, to be met by an ambulance and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

A hospital spokesman said the officer was in the emergency ward in stable condition last night.

The main trouble erupted around three minutes from the end of the match.

Around 60 spectators spilled over the perimeter fence and massed on the edge of the pitch near the halfway line. One man was seen attacking another supporter with what appeared to be a plank of wood, while several others exchanged punches.

After referee Esten Curtis had blown the final whistle, the fighting spread towards the west end of the ground, opposite the pavilion.

A number of people jumped over fencing in other parts of the ground to join the fighting.

Police said no arrests had been made immediately but an investigation was last night being launched into the incident.

SOCCER SOC