10 arrested in Welsh Premier League match-fixing probe

Police have arrested 10 people as part of a probe into alleged match-fixing of a Welsh Premier League game.

Detectives began investigating after receiving information about betting patterns on the match between Port Talbot Town and Rhyl in April.

The fixture in question saw Port Talbot lose 5-0 to already relegated Rhyl - who had not won in 17 previous matches.

South Wales Police said seven men and three women had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and were all currently in custody.

The matter was initially referred to the Gambling Commission by the Football Association of Wales before police were contacted.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford said the arrests followed a "thorough process of evidence-gathering".

He said: "The FAW remains committed to our integrity education programme, which began in 2014, as well as the monitoring and reporting systems we have in place which have contributed to these arrests.

"The FAW will not bring any sporting sanctions against any individuals while the police investigation is ongoing."

Gambling Commission programme director Richard Watson said the organisation worked closely with other agencies in addressing "issues of betting integrity".

He added: "The Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) provided information to South Wales Police concerning betting patterns seen on a Welsh Premier League fixture between Rhyl and Port Talbot Town."

Details on those who have been arrested are unknown at this stage.