HOME Secretary David Blunkett has launched an inquiry into why Lancashire Police deployed riot officers at the Worthington Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park.

Mr Blunkett has called on the National Inspectorate of Constabularies to conduct an immediate investigation into the behaviour of police.

Sheffield Wednesday fans have criticised police tactics at the semi-final at Ewood Park, last Tuesday, saying they were attacked by officers wielding batons.

Mr Blunkett said he wanted to know what evidence the police had before the match to justify the deployment of officers in full riot gear.

He added: "I want an immediate look at what happened, including the full release of video footage held by Lancashire Police.

"We need to ascertain precisely what happened in terms of behaviour by police and fans."

Mr Blunkett said he had asked the Inspectorate to intervene rather than refer the affair to the Police Complaints Authority.

He said: "That is because of the time the PCA would take -- although my action does not preclude any individual supporter asking the authority to take up his or her case.

"I want to clear this up very quickly for the sake of the good name of Sheffield Wednesday's away supporters.

"I expect a quick and incisive report to be completed in around a month, and I want to clear the air and get to the bottom of what really happened on Tuesday night -- not least to prevent incidents of this sort happening again.

"Relations between police and fans in general are better now than they have been for decades and I don't want to go back to those adversarial times."

But Lancashire Police again defended their actions calling the behaviour of some fans "appalling" adding it was the "worst example of disorder" seen at Ewood Park, arresting 12 fans on the night.

Chief Insp Neil Smith, who was at the game and has watched CCTV footage, said some fans had surged forward trying to invade the pitch while others had thrown coins and broken plastic seating to use as missiles.

He added it was the first time riot police had been used all season and it was done for personal protection.

Sheffield Wednesday bosses have also launched an investigation. Blackburn Rovers today declined to comment.