Six fans arrested before Latvia's game with N.Ireland

RIGA, Sep 8 (Reuters) Security will be stepped up for today's Euro 2008 qualifier between Latvia and Northern Ireland after six fans were arrested for fighting in Riga on last night, police said.

''Around midnight several fights broke out leading to the arrest of six people, one of them being Latvian,'' police spokesman Edgars Dudko told Reuters.

Police added that several fans seemed to be suffering from hangovers today and had occupied a few bars around the Skonto stadium ahead of the scheduled 1930 (local time) kickoff.

''We will intensify our efforts tonight and try to keep the worst drunks out of the stadium and hope things will be more safe,'' Dudko said.

Second-placed Northern Ireland trail Group F leaders Sweden by two points after seven matches. Latvia are bottom with three points.

REUTERS PDS PM1725