Violence in the streets erupted hours before Brighton and Hove Albion went head to head with their oldest rivals.

Rival fans clashed in the run-up to last night's match between the Seagulls and Crystal Palace.

Up to 70 aggressive supporters from both sides smashed windows, trashed a pub and fought each other a couple of hours before kick-off at Palace's home ground Selhurst Park.

The trouble flared in Whitehorse Road and Holmesdale Road, near Selhurst train station. Bystanders said it was a mini-riot.

Landlords of two pubs caught in the cross-fire said they were shocked by the violence.

Eyewitness accounts said the trouble started when Albion fans drinking in the Crescent Arms in Whitehorse Road came into contact with Palace supporters at about 5.45pm, two hours before kick-off.

The Crescent Arms is a popular pub with home fans.

Licensee Ryan Arscott said: "We had a lot of trouble. Crystal Palace supporters rushed the pub and started to throw things at the windows. It was pandemonium for a good 20 minutes."

Across the street, eyewitnesses said windows at The Duke of Cambridge in Holmesdale Road were smashed by Albion supporters. They had been refused entry because the pub is advised by the police not to let in away fans.

Joint licensee Diane Ridley said: "There were about 20 of them. They weren't what I would call teenagers. They were 20, 25, 30."

Police broke up the trouble but no arrests were made.