POLICE today released images of dozens of Rangers fans suspected of being involved in the Uefa Cup Final riots in Manchester city centre.

A total of 47 troublemakers wanted for alleged acts of violence and criminal damage will be published online tonight following months of intensive detective work. FACT FILE The pictures can be viewed from 9pm tonight at www.gmp.police.uk Video packages will also be posted on YouTube, Facebook and Bebo this evening. Rangers FC will publish a fresh appeal in the match programme for this Saturday's SPL fixture with Dundee United. Each image is numbered and anyone with information can submit details via the online form on the police site.

Officers trawled through more than 15,000 hours of footage from CCTV street cameras, shop security systems, mobile phones, BBC Television, Granada, and YouTube to pinpoint the worst offenders. Some of the images will be screened on BBC's Crimewatch tonight and the entire batch go live on Greater Manchester Police's website at 9pm.

Trouble erupted in the centre of Manchester after a giant screen in the city's Piccadilly Gardens failed to work.

More than 30 police officers were injured, cars and shops were damaged and bottles were hurled as the violence spilled out on to the streets after Rangers were beaten 2-0 by Zenit St Petersburg.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Wessell, who is leading the investigation, said those involved in a "vicious and sustained" assault on PC John Goodwin, who was knocked unconscious and suffered swelling to his brain, face the most serious charges.

He said: "I am just relieved that I'm not investigating a murder. They were trying to kill him, to kick his head in.

"The footage is like watching bees around a honeypot.

"He was repeatedly punched and kicked in a horrendous attack."

Police believe up to 200 fans, mostly aged between 18 and 25, were involved in a range of offences, from serious assaults on policemen to vandalism and looting.

Greater Manchester Police estimate 150,000 travelled to the glamour clash at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Det Superintendent Wessell added: "This was not traditional, organised hooliganism, it was spontaneous event, definitely fuelled by alcohol.

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