Images of males sought following disorder before Palace v Brighton match

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Detectives are appealing for assistance in identifying individuals they want to speak to regarding disorder before a Crystal Palace v Brighton and Hove Albion match on Saturday, 9 March.

At approximately 12:00hrs officers attended Holmesdale Road in response to reports of a large group of Crystal Palace supporters causing a disturbance.

The group were travelling to Selhurst Park and shortly after the arrival of officers they set off a number of fireworks.

Officers arrested one member of the group for a pyrotechnic related offence.

In reaction to the arrest, a large group surged towards the officers and began pushing, shoving and becoming increasingly aggressive towards them.

During this confrontation the group managed to free the arrested male, who ran away.

Detectives are now working to identify a number of people involved in the original disorder, and the subsequent aggressive behaviour resulting in the escape of the man arrested.

Inspector Matt Ashmead from the Met’s Central Football Unit said: “The actions of those involved in this incident were aggressive and intimidating. In the latter stages they had the sole objective of attacking officers to ensure the escape of the detained male.

“We have an experienced, dedicated team working hard to identify those involved in order to bring them, and the man originally arrested, to justice. We have made a number of identifications already, but we are now appealing for the assistance of the public in identifying the remainder.

“Anyone who recognises those pictured should call us directly on 020 8246 0076 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting the relevant image reference number.”