Police have released pictures of so-called Brighton and Hove Albion fans wanted in connection with the worst outbreak of soccer violence in years and asked: "Help us identify them."

The men were on the scene when thugs calling themselves Albion fans smashed up two city pubs and attacked well-behaved Leeds United fans after the two clubs met at Withdean last October.

The eight men, believed to be from Sussex, were caught on CCTV as the trouble flared.

Police said they wanted to identify them in connection with their inquiries as part of their investigation called Operation Facade.

Several arrests were made and some offenders have been dealt with at court but police are still hunting other culprits.

The police appeal comes on the eve of another potentially troublesome clash when Albion host West Ham.

Police leave has been cancelled and an unprecedented 300 officers will be on duty for tomorrow's match at Withdean.

Superintendent Lance Grey, commanding the operation, said: "This will be the biggest operation this season because of the potential for misconduct. There are no specific intelligence reports but we are going on fans' past records."

Adding to the potential trouble is a match the same day at the Dripping Pan where Lewes host Newport.

Mr Grey said: "We are aware of an affiliation between West Ham and Newport fans and we are determined to ensure true fans enjoy the matches in safety."

The violence in October involved gangs of local hooligans. None wore Albion shirts and while they chanted support for the club it was possible they used the match as cover. More than £10,000 damage was caused at The Pump House pub in Market Street and there was more damage at Yates's Wine Lodge in West Street.

Leeds fans were eating and drinking peacefully when they came under attack.

Chairs, tables and glasses were hurled. Bar staff said they had never seen anything like it.

Police arrested suspects at the scene and later carried out raids on addresses in Brighton and arrested more.

Mr Grey said today's release of photographs "demonstrates our resolve."

He told offenders: "This happened in October and you may think you have escaped justice by now. But we have a long memory and where we have evidence and can identify offenders, we will make arrests."

Mr Grey stressed: "These people have no place in supporting Brighton and Hove Football Club. We have worked very closely with the Albion and their approach to public safety is irreproachable.

"In due course we will be seeking exclusion and banning orders for a number of people.

"All true fans can be assured of our joint commitment to ensure people enjoy football at Withdean in complete safety."

Police said all youths pictured are believed to be from Sussex.

Call police on 0845 6070999.