Appeal after derby clash brings results; HUNT: More than a dozen 'positive identifications' made following violence.

Byline: Mark Cowan

POLICE hunting 22 men suspected of football violence following the Second City derby have "positive identifi-cations" on a dozen of them after an appeal in the Birmingham Mail.

One man handed himself in to police at Stechford after recognising his photograph on the front page - minutes after Tuesday's newspaper hit the streets. Two others walked in to their local police stations later that day.

Detectives investigating the trouble following Aston Villa's 1-0 win over Birmingham City have also identified a further nine of the men they wish to speak to.

Police said they had been boosted by calls from genuine fans of both clubs fed up with the continuing hostility between small pockets of troublemakers.

"That has been a really positive element for us. People have had enough of this after every derby game and are making a stand," said Det Chief Insp Matt Markham.

He said the faces were among 22 seen on CCTV and police video footage as fighting broke out following the crunch game earlier this month.

Officers came under a barrage of bricks and bottles as they tried to keep rival fans apart during clashes near St Andrew's stadium immediately after the final whistle.

Sporadic violence continued into the city centre, where traffic was brought to a standstill near Selfridges during running fights. The first suspect to walk in to the police station has been released on police bail. Solicitors representing five more men have called police to arrange appointments for their clients.

Another man was identified by a police officer while a further two have been named and identi-fied after anonymous calls to police. Another was named by a relative. Mr Markham said: "The speed and weight of the response sends a resounding message to those people intent on trouble.

"The majority of supporters are fed up with the names of their clubs being dragged through the dirt." And he warned the remaining ten suspects: "We'll be knocking on your door. It might not be tomorrow or the next day, but we will find you."

Some of the men caught on camera were wanted for questioning over criminal damage caused to the cars of frightened motorists caught up in the trouble away from the ground. Some were also suspected of public disorder offences and assault.

CAPTION(S):

Flashback: How the Mail broke the story on the front page on Tuesday.