Dutch hooligans injure five England fans ‘after trying to steal St George’s flag’ in series of attacks on Dortmund bars as sickening violence mars build up to Euros semi-final

Videos have surfaced on X of swathes of people dressed in the iconic bright orange football shirts throwing stools and benches outside of Sausalitos restaurant and bar in Germany ahead of the semi-final match tonight.

UK Police have said groups of ‘risk supporters’ are known to be among the 80,000 strong Dutch support that has descended on the German city, as they warn England fans to seek refuge in areas populated by German police.

In one of the clips locals attempted to guard the cafe, with fans who chose to venture out and engage with the mob being quickly set upon.

A bar staff member at the restaurant claimed that the fight broke out after Dutch fans attempted to steal a flag from England supporters.

Dutch fans appeared to attack England supporters for ‘no reason’ around the city of Dortmund

Mail Online Sport Correspondent tweets from Dortmund

UK Police have said groups of ‘risk supporters’ are known to be among the 80,000 strong Dutch support that has descended on the German city, as they warn England fans to seek refuge in areas populated by German police

Stools, benches and bottles were flung during the fracas ahead of England’s semi-final

Speaking to the MailOnline Leo Woeho said: ‘There was provocation from both sides. They were singing songs.

‘The Dutch were saying to the English that they were going to go home and lose tonight.

‘Then I saw the Dutch fans trying to take the England flag and that’s when the trouble started.

‘The Dutch fans started throwing things like tables and chairs and bottles and then the England fans retaliated.’

‘He said nobody was seriously injured, although police made several arrests.

‘There is a lot of damage, a TV has been smashed, furniture broken and damage is elsewhere.

‘It was quite scary and it is a shame. It means we have to close and open now until tomorrow.’

A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit said: ‘It appears that there have been several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags’

Fans who did venture out were set upon by fans wearing Netherlands jerseys or orange shirts

A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit said: ‘We are aware of some reports and videos circulating of disorder in Dortmund.

‘It appears that there have been several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags.

‘We understand this has resulted in minor injuries to five people. We are also aware that in addition to the tens of thousands of Dutch fans there to enjoy the game, there are groups of risk supporters who have travelled to Dortmund from the Netherlands.

‘Our officers are at the location supporting German colleagues. We would advise supporters to be aware of their surroundings and seek areas where there is a German Police presence.’

‘Dutch fans. Not so friendly,’ one user posted to social media site X.

‘Having a quiet drink – England and Dutch together, good vibes.

‘Group of Dutch fans (we’ve been told Feyenoord) attacked the English out of the blue. No reason.

‘Police have told us to stay here. Dutch firms everywhere picking off England fans.’

Lines of riot police attempted to keep the two groups separate late on Wednesday afternoon

At another cafe, Dutch supporters appear to antagonise fans enjoying a drink outdoors

The fans were later chased away by riot police following the group – thought to be supporters from Eredivisie firms

The Netherlands’ Orange Army is marching through the streets of Dortmund ahead of their crunch Euros semi-final against England tonight.

Dressed from head to toe in orange, the sea of fans have begun a two-mile march from the designated fan zone in the German city’s Friedensplatz to the Westfalenstadion, the home of Borussia Dortmund.

Tens of thousands of squashed fans are being led by a bright orange double-decker bus – a tradition which dates back to Euro 2004.

For the first time since the European Championships started, England’s massive travelling fan base are set to be significantly outnumbered by the Dutch.

The party atmosphere is well underway, with fans seen singing, dancing and letting off orange flares ahead of the semi-final which will see the Netherlands and England battle it out for a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.