POLICE today released CCTV footage of two men they are seeking in connection with organised football hooliganism at last month’s Sunderland v West Ham United match.
Officers have so far arrested 20 people as part of an investigation into violence, which it’s believed was pre-arranged, at 2.15pm on Saturday, January 12, outside Revolution Bar at Low Row in Sunderland city centre.
They are all on bail pending further enquiries, and the inquiry is ongoing as police continue to try to identify people they need to speak to in connection with the incident.
Today, Northumbria Police released new CCTV stills of two of the men, together with moving images of them in the area at the time.
Sunderland area commander Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth said: “We’ve so far made 20 arrests in connection with the investigatio,n and these people are currently on bail as inquiries continue.
“There are still some people we need to speak to, and there’s new CCTV footage and images of two men in particular who we need to speak to in connection with the investigation.
“I’d urge anyone who recognises them, or the men themselves, to contact police at the earliest opportunity,”
Ch Supt Blyth said she was happy with the response of the public following appeals for information.
She added: “We’ve so far had a good response, and there are a number of lines of inquiry being followed up.
“This sort of incident is unusual, and, as we’ve said previously, the vast majority of football supporters just want to enjoy the match.
“However, when any kind of violence takes place we will do everything possible to make sure those suspected of being involved are traced and the appropriate action taken.”
Anyone who recognises themselves in the images is asked to contact police at the earliest opportunity.
Anyone who knows the identity of anyone in the images is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.