Star Wars and Doctor Who fans clashed at sci-fi convention

Rival sci-fi clubs had to be separated by ‘the force’ when police were called to break up feuding fans at a Star Wars convention.The family event threatened to turn to the dark side and escalate into a fight between costumed characters when visiting Doctor Who fans clashed with Star Wars enthusiasts.

Officers were called when members of the Norwich Sci Fi Club were refused entry at a fair co-hosted by Norwich Star Wars Club at the University of East Anglia. More than a dozen sci-fi fans from both groups – including several in fancy dress – were involved in a bitter exchange outside the venue, sparked by the arrival at the event of Jim Poole, treasurer of Norwich Sci Fi Club.



He was asked to leave the convention as he approached Doctor Who actor Graham Cole for an autograph, leading to a stand-off which was only calmed by police and university security. He and organiser Richard Walker exchanged words inside before taking their dispute outside.

Police confirmed that they had been called to reports of a man being assaulted at the convention, and arrived to find a dispute between two groups. But a spokesman added: “After lengthy investigation, talking to witnesses and reviewing good CCTV footage, it was confirmed that there was no assault. The two rival groups were spoken to and advised to keep out of each other’s way.”