A SHOP owner has been left counting the cost of an unwelcome visit by a gang of football supporters, stole hundreds of pounds worth of clothing from his store.

And he is warning traders in Hartlepool to be on their guard when the same set of supporters visit on Wednesday.

Blackpool fans burst into Geoffrey Gillow Menswear, in Grange Road, Darlington, last Saturday.

A gang of about 20 fans jostled the shop owner, William Gillow, before making off with dozens of designer shirts.

They then mingled with the rest of the 2,000 visiting supporters who had travelled to Darlington to watch their team play at Feethams.

Mr Gillow, 46, said he lost stock valued at £450, and though some of the shirts were recovered, they cannot be resold because they had been damaged.

He is warning shop owners in Hartlepool to be vigilant when Blackpool fans arrive for a play-off match.

"The supporters were drunk and very aggressive, and although I tried to defuse the situation, they were intent on causing trouble," he said.

"It was obviously well planned because there were a couple of supporters giving me and my assistant verbal abuse while the others stole the shirts."

Mr Gillow was able to point a couple of the Blackpool fans out to police when the game ended and a search was also made of a bus.

A spokesman for Durham police said three men from the Blackpool area were arrested on suspicion of theft.

Two were cautioned, and the third was bailed pending further inquiries.