Police appeal over West Ham v Millwall trouble

DCI Richard Tucker, who heads up the investigation into the disorder, will feature on tonight's Crimewatch programme on BBC1 to re-iterate appeals to the public to assist police in finding those responsible for the incidents on the evening of Tuesday, 25 August.

A selection of the images will appear on the show, with the entire 66 appearing on the Crimewatch website .

The gallery has already been posted on the Met's 'Caught on Camera' website and will also appear on the Crimestoppers 'Most Wanted ' page and the official West Ham FC website.

DCI Tucker said: "The level of disorder witnessed that night was absolutely unacceptable and not at all in the spirit of what football matches are all about.

"We are not talking about minor offences here; but a hardcore of individuals who were intent on causing violence and destruction. The majority of fans, like police, will not stand for this type of mindless behaviour at matches.

"Those who played a part in the events of that night should know we are making every effort to arrest them and hold them accountable for their actions."

Following the disorder an investigation team was set up, based at Stratford and working under the name Operation Balconi. Much of the investigation has required officers to painstakingly trawl through hours of CCTV footage in an attempt to identify those involved.

A total of 41 people have now been arrested in connection with the incident. Of those, 29 have been charged, 10 are on bail, and two have been released no further action.

Anyone who is able to provide information about the events of that night is asked to contact the inquiry team at Newham on 020 8217 5039. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detectives from Newham's Violent Crime Unit also continue to appeal for witnesses and information regarding the stabbing of a man prior to the match.

The 43-year-old Milwall supporter was attacked just after 8pm after arriving at Upton Park with his family to watch the game.

The group initially headed to the wrong entrance of the ground and were making their way back to the correct entrance when they were approached by a large group of West Ham supporters who pursued them along Tudor Road, close to the ground.

The victim and his sons were separated from the rest of the family and attacked by the group who threw punches and kicks.

The victim was further separated from his sons, aged 17 and 18, and continued to be attacked by the group, receiving a single stab wound to the chest.

The group fled in various directions. The victim managed to make his way through the alleyway at the end of Tudor Road and collapsed by the Priory Road bus garage.

He was found by his sons who alerted the emergency services. The victim's sons were not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

Investigating officer DI Lee Barnard of Newham Violent Crime Unit, said: "This incident was not a pre-arranged act of violence between two sets of rival supporters. This was an innocent family man who was subjected to a senseless attack by people intent on causing violence.

"Although the family were not wearing any clothing that would identify them as Millwall supporters, their direction of travel may have indicated that they were.

"The victim was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack as he and his family tried to flee to safety. If not for the swift intervention of paramedics, the man would have lost his life.

"I urge anyone who witnessed this attack, or has information that can assist this investigation, to contact us."

Inquiries into the incident continue and officers now have descriptions of 11 men they believe were involved.

Their descriptions are:

- Suspect 1: white, aged between 40 and 45 years, 5'8"-5'9" tall, of stocky build and wearing a white, blue and red short sleeved shirt.

- Suspect 2: white, aged between 30 and 35 years, 6' tall, with black gelled back hair tucked behind his ears, wearing a purple 'tonic' style shirt.

- Suspect 3: white, approx 25 years, 6' tall, wearing a light coloured baseball cap and jeans. We believe it was this individual who instigated the assault.

- Suspect 4: white, aged in his late 30s, approx 5'10" tall, of stocky build, wearing a light coloured top and jeans.

- Suspect 5: white, aged in his 30s, approx 5'10" tall, of medium build, with short dark brown hair, wearing a navy blue jumper with horizontal stripes.

- Suspect 6: white, aged in his 40s, approx 5'8" tall, of stocky build, with graying short hair, stubble and prominent cheekbones, wearing a long collared beige jacket fastened and jeans.

- Suspect 7: white, 6' tall, of slim build, wearing a baseball cap and cream jacket.

- Suspect 8: short, of stocky build, with fair cropped hair, wearing a red t-shirt and jeans.

- Suspect 9: white, aged in his mid 20s, 6' tall, of slim build, with dark brown hair, wearing a black polo shirt.

- Suspect 10: white, aged in his mid 20s, approx 5'10" tall, of medium build, wearing a pink polo shirt.

- Suspect 11: white, aged late 20s-early 30s, approx 5'10" tall, clean shaven, with mousy brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and white trainers.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call the Violent Crime Unit at Plaistow Police Station on 020 7275 5851. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident is currently on bail pending further inquiries.