Disgruntled England supporters took to the streets to vent their frustration with their side’s 2-1 World Cup Group D loss to Italy on Saturday evening by reportedly burning flags.
Italian flags were defaced and set alight in Bedford, while two policemen were assaulted in Manchester at the match’s conclusion.
Detectives are looking into the incidents which took place in a city where one in five residents is Italian.
This is not the first time that trouble has surfaced in Bedford after an England versus Italy encounter.
Italian fans were also set upon by a number of home enthusiasts when Italy triumphed at Euro 2012.
Peter Eaton, control room supervisor for Bedfordshire Police said that officers were aware of the flag burning incident.
“This is being looked into by officers, but at this stage no arrests have been made.”
Italy play their second match of the tournament against Costa Rica on Friday evening.
Follow Shaun Moran on Twitter: @moranshaun
