Officers searched through the footage to identify those they believe are responsible for starting the trouble at Newcastle Central Station just over a week ago.

"We need to identify them to prevent further organised violence," said Chief Superintendent Graham Smith, Newcastle Area Commander.

Trouble flared when Sunderland AFC fans returned from a pre-season friendly at Hearts, in Edinburgh, on August 8.

The incident left three needing hospital treatment, two for serious head wounds, and four police dogs injured.

Northumbria Police blamed about 40 fans who they say were intent on causing trouble.

But supporters said officers mismanaged the situation and used excessive force. Some are considering legal action.

At the time only one person was arrested, for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Now the force is stepping up investigations to identify fans who arrived on the first train, who they say were known troublemakers heading for a pre-arranged fight with Newcastle United hooligans.

Mr Smith also spoke about the 400 SAFC supporters who arrived on a second train into the station.

"We know that some of these passengers have expressed concern about being met by a number of officers and dogs.

"However, it must be stressed that officers were trying to control the situation involving the first train, and were only concerned with protecting the safety of those travelling on the second train."

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which has yet to decide whether to undertake a full investigation.

The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF), has offered assistance to fans who were caught up in the violence at Central Station.

The organisation has also gathered more than 20 written statements from fans and other witnesses.

It is believed that most are all along the same lines that officers caused the flare-up and then over-reacted to it.

Spokesman Peter Daykin said the force had "inflamed the situation" since, particularly in respect of the press release issued afterwards which purely blamed fans and concentrated on injured police dogs.