HAMPSHIRE police are hoping Saints fans will help them find thugs who have targeted visiting fans at St. Mary's this season.

Officers have released these pictures of three men they want to speak to in connection with hooligan violence by Saints supporters.

They were in the crowd for the home clash against Yeovil, at which two visiting fans were attacked. Shortly after the final whistle on Saturday, September 19, a 38-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth were viciously beaten up at the Six Dials junction just a few hundred yards from the stadium.

Police say a gang kicked and punched the victims to the ground, where they were then repeatedly kicked and stamped on.

Five people have been arrested and released on bail, but police are still looking to trace three others in connection with the incident following Saints’ 2-0 win.

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In the first picture, police want to identify the man shown on the far left of the image – described as in his 20s, 6ft, slim-proportionate build, with short hair wearing a red short sleeved t-shirt and blue jeans.

They also want to identify the man at the far top right hand – also in his 20s, around 5ft 11in, of slim build, with short hair wearing a black short sleeved t-shirt with a red logo in the centre, and wearing dark jeans.

In the second picture, police are hunting the man in his late 30s to mid-40s, of large build, short cropped hair, 5ft 10in and wearing a blue, grey, white striped shirt bearing the Southampton Football Club crest.

Operation Statistic follows a previous campaign by the police to find 11 thugs who caused trouble at the home game against Burnley in April.

A series of banning orders were handed out on troublemakers and one supporter, James Smith, 18, of Collett Close, Hedge End, was fined £100 for throwing a missile at the away fans.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Greening, head of Southampton police, said: “A few idiots who like to be considered to be Saints fans seem intent on finding any chance they can to attack rival fans even without any provocation or reason.

“We've had some nasty incidents at recent games and working with the club we are going to stop it.

“We know who many of these people are and we are going after them.

“We'll charge them with crimes where the evidence exists or work with the club to secure court or club bans against them.

“We won’t let them ruin the reputation of the club or spoil the quality of true Saints fans and their loyal support.”

Nick Hawkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight added: “The CPS will prosecute violent fans and bring them before the courts whenever there is sufficient evidence to do so.

“We will seek Football Banning Orders to keep them away from grounds so they’re unable to disrupt further matches.

“Youths may also be made the subject of a Football Banning Order and should not assume that their age will work in their favour if they are prosecuted for football related offences.”

Anyone who may recognise the men or hold information is asked to contact Operation Statistic team at Hulse Road on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.