THUGS threw glasses, smashed plates and wrecked chairs as Kidderminster pubs were forced to close after England's World Cup victory against Argentina.

Celebrations turned nasty within hours of the match on Friday, forcing town centre pubs to shut for the night.

A man was rushed to hospital and three men arrested after a fight outside the Farmer's Boy, Comberton Hill, on Friday at about 5.30pm. The man discharged himself from hospital after treatment.

Five police vehicles, with some 15 policemen, and two ambulances rushed to the scene as trouble spilled out onto the street.

Meanwhile, the Penny Black, Bull Ring, closed its doors after fights broke out and yobs threw glasses, smashed plates and wrecked tables at about 5pm. Two men were arrested for public order offences.

Wetherspoons, which runs the pub, said the trouble was not caused by regular customers but by drinkers who had watched the match elsewhere.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon stressed the venue had not screened the game and denied its cheap-drinks policy had encouraged trouble.

He said: "We are disappointed and upset by the whole incident.

"People had been drinking elsewhere and watching the game, then they came to the pub and caused trouble.

"It was very upsetting for our regular customers and staff but we did the responsible thing and closed the pub for the night.

"We simply can't understand it. It makes you wonder how people might have acted if England had lost."

Farmer's Boy bar manager Darren Manton, who has been at the pub for three weeks, also said the fight was caused by unfamiliar customers and it would be operating a ticket-only policy for remaining games. He said: "Other pubs had closed but we were not told. People started turning up at the pub. We could see an argument brewing from some newcomers, so we asked them to leave.

"Unfortunately, fighting broke out across the road so we called the ambulance and police.

"It spoiled a really good day. We've been working hard to create a really good atmosphere here and we certainly don't want people like that spoiling it.

"It will be ticket only from now on - the safety of our customers comes first."

Although town centre pubs closed, some let in regular customers who 'phoned in advance.

There was no reported trouble in Bewdley, Stourport and other areas of Wyre Forest.

Alan Broom, of Kidderminster Licensees Association, which represents town pubs, was unavailable for comment.

Meanwhile, Sgt Jeff Hill, of Kidderminster Police, said the police investigation was ongoing and appealed for witnesses to the incidents.

Anyone with information should call the police on 01562 820888.