Off-duty police commissioner caught celebrating taking part in Bournemouth ground invasion

A senior police officer was caught taking part in a pitch invasion after Bournemouth Football Club’s promotion to the Premier League.

On May 3, Bournemouth beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Dean Court – and Superintendent Sarah Derbyshire, 49, was one of three female police officers on leave at the forefront of the celebrations.

Police scoured CCTV to find out who was involved in the pitch invasion, which was the first in a series of similar incidents that have assaulted some football players.

Ms Derbyshire and two of her Dorset Police colleagues were seen celebrating on the pitch as Bournemouth fans took to the grass where some supporters set off smoke bombs.

A source said The sun: ‘When the police looked at the footage, they had the shock of their life seeing the superintendent in the field celebrating.

“There were a few other force officers who got carried away and ran onto the field to jump up and down with the crowd.

“None of the officers caused any trouble and everything was in good spirits. But the law is the law and clearly they of all people should have been aware that what they were doing was illegal.

It is illegal for spectators to enter the playing area of ​​the stadium, under the Football Offenses Act 1991. A criminal charge can result in up to six months in prison.

Electrical engineer Robert Biggs, 30, of Derbyshire, headbutted Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp after storming the pitch after Nottingham Forest beat Sharp’s side 3-2 on penalties on May 17.

It was jailed for 24 weeks and also received a 10-year football ban after pleading guilty to assault at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.

Officers monitoring CCTV informed the Dorset Police Professional Standards Unit that the three officers had been spotted taking part in the celebrations.

On May 3, Bournemouth beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Dean Court – and Superintendent Sarah Derbyshire, 49, was one of three female police officers on leave at the forefront of the celebrations.

Police scoured CCTV to find out who was involved in the pitch invasion, which was the first in a series of similar incidents that have assaulted some football players.

They are said to have “received informal advice” to “reflect” on the incident. A message was reportedly sent to all officers in the force telling them that they should not invade football grounds, “no matter how exciting the occasion”.

A source added that the Derbyshire superintendent, 49, and his family are all die-hard Bournemouth fans, and that she is ‘only human’ as ‘the emotion of Bournemouth’s winning promotion has clearly touched”.

Currently attached to Constabulary Inspectorate, Derbyshire was a detective leading a major crime squad, investigating murders and serious crime.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said: ‘We are aware that a Dorset Police employee currently on secondment to HMICFRS was involved in an incident earlier this month.

“It is up to Dorset Police, as the individual’s employer, to take appropriate action.”

Dorset Police said of the ground invasion: ‘Three officers have been identified and have been asked to consider their involvement. After the match, a message was issued internally reminding all officers and staff of the high standards of behavior expected of them both on and off the job.

A series of pitch invasions has raised fears of an increase in attacks on football players and managers.

Ms Derbyshire (pictured) and two of her Dorset Police colleagues were seen celebrating on the pitch as Bournemouth fans took to the grass where some supporters set off smoke bombs

Nottingham Forest season ticket holder Robert Biggs, who was jailed for head-butting Billy Sharp, was one of hundreds of fans to flood the pitch following his side’s win over Sheffield United.

The court heard how he had consumed “a quantity of alcohol” before committing the “senseless act of violence”, which the judge said required a custodial sentence.

The stocky supporter in yellow escaped the celebrations to charge headfirst at Sharp who stood idly in the technical area of ​​the City Ground.

Footage of the incident was captured live on Sky Sports and shows Sharp being floored without having seen his assailant arrive.

Mr Sharp, who previously played for Forest, needed stitches. The footballer said the day after the incident: “A stupid idiot has ruined what has been an amazing night of football.”

‘Congratulations to Nottingham Forest on their win and good luck in the final. As a former Forest player, I won’t let any bastard ruin my respect for Forest fans.