ZURICH, March 29: English football fans went on the rampage here late on Friday clashing with Swiss police, a day ahead of England’s Euro 2004 qualifier away to Liechtenstein, the Swiss ATS news agency said quoting police.

Police used rubber bullets and teargas to deal with the supporters after fighting broke out around bars in the city centre and property was damaged, they said.

The supporters responded by throwing bottles and stones.

Five Britons suffered bullet or stab wounds and needed hospital treatment, a police statement said later, adding it was not clear where the shots came from.

They have appealed for witnesses.

Twenty-five people were arrested, the ATS agency said.

The game in Vaduz later on Saturday was given the go-ahead after the Liechtenstein Football Association beefed up security to cope with fears the match could be targeted by anti-war protesters.

Up to 800 England supporters arrived in Switzerland Friday ahead of the match in neighbouring Liechtenstein.

“The hooligans were breaking things and fighting. A lot of windows were smashed,” a Zurich police spokesman said.

“We had the first call at 6pm. They were fighting and throwing bottles at police. Tear gas was used.

“The English were drinking a lot of alcohol. By 2am, it was all quiet.”—AFP