Hammer horror

[29 October 2009]

Crimestoppers appeals for help in identifying football hooligans

Following mass violence at a Carling Cup football match in the summer, crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is asking the public to identify 60 individuals wanted for violent disorder.

Violent scenes involving hundreds of fans broke out during and after the West Ham v Millwall Carling Cup match on Tuesday 25 August at Upton Park. A 44-year-old male Millwall fan was stabbed in the chest outside the ground during large-scale trouble.

Working with the Metropolitan Police Service's ‘Operation Balconi,' Crimestoppers wants the public to help identify 66 supporters of both clubs who were involved in violent scenes outside the ground. In addition the public can also help identify 77 individuals who invaded the pitch throughout the game who will all receive life-time bans from the clubs.

"Violent scenes that we had all hoped were buried in the past"

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers' Director of Operations, said: “The majority of people who attend football matches do so purely to enjoy the game and support their team, which is what it's meant to be about. However, on this occasion we got to see violent scenes that we had all hoped were buried in the past.

“Nobody should have to be worried about going to a football match or taking their children, so we strongly urge the public to help identify these thugs to help bring the offenders to justice and hopefully prevent further violent outbreaks at matches. And remember, by passing on information to Crimestoppers, no one will ever find out who you are and you won't have to go to court”

Police have so far arrested 19 people in connection with disorder inside and outside the ground.

In response to the needs of the police, Crimestoppers publish photographs of individuals thought to be involved in violent disorder incidents during and after football matches. We are asking the public to view these images in a special category on Most Wanted and identify the individuals displayed.

View the appeals on Crimestoppers' Most Wanted website. To pass on information anonymously, either telephone 0800 555 111 or complete the anonymous online Giving Information Form.

-ENDS-

Further information

For further information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our giving information' form on this website.

• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.

• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 95,000 arrests and charges. Over £110 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £176 million worth of drugs.

• In 2006, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 500 arrests to date from 2.5 thousand appeals posted.

• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.