Euro 2016: French police charge England supporters in Lille as violence continues into the night

The incidents follow on from clashes between England and Russia fans earlier in the evening

England fans light flares in the streets of Lille (Sky News)

England supporters have been charged at by French police in Lille late on Wednesday night as the authorities continue to fight the ongoing violence with tear gas and pepper spray.

The French authorities have responded to the latest round of fighting and anti-social behaviour with a robust strategy with officers seen charging at the perpetrators with their shields up as they attempt to restore peace and order in the northern city of Lille.

This latest escalation, following on from a short flash point with Russian supporters this evening, follows Uefa, the European football governing body, handing Russia with a suspended disqualification from Euro 2016 after their fans invaded the England section at the Stade Velodrome on Saturday night.

Reports from Lille suggest “hundreds” of police officers have interrupted more fighting with some fans said to have sustained a range of injuries ranging from bruises to open wounds.

Footage of the incidents show foggy, dimly-lit streets, the air filled with tear gas, as the authorities try to disperse the crowds quickly. It is not yet clear what prompted the police to take such action. Elsewhere in the city, England fans are celebrating France's 2-0 victory against Albania with locals tonight in a jovial manner.

Earlier in the week, six England fans received jail sentences and were given two-year bans from travelling to France after 35 people were injured in Marseille on Saturday.

Up to 300 Russian hooligans are reportedly armed with martial arts gloves and gum shields and are yet to be detected and punished by French police.

Russia played Slovakia in Lille this afternoon, with England preparing to face Wales tomorrow in nearby Lens.