POLICE received a "fantastic" response following an appeal to identify 11 Newport County fans they believe fought with riot police and threw glass bottles at opposing fans.

Officers from South Wales Police have identified seven of the men pictured in yesterday's Argus following disturbances after an FAW Premier Cup clash with Cardiff City at Ninian Park.

Three of the men have come forward themselves and the other four were identified by readers and police officers in Gwent and South Wales.

DC Simon Chivers, heading up the investigation, said officers were arranging to speak with those identified next week. He said they would be arrested for alleged public order offences.

Police say the 11 men were part of a group of 30 County fans who threw punches at officers trying to restrain them, according to police.

South Wales Police launched Operation Meirion following post-match disorder after the match on Tuesday, February 19.

DC Chivers said officers had CCTV footage of the 11 men committing public order offences after County fans surged toward a 40-man police cordon.

He said some supporters, who had travelled to Cardiff early looking to fight Cardiff fans, fought with batton-wielding police and had to be moved back by a riot squad during the clash on Sloper Road, near Ninian Park.

Eighteen members of the group have already been identified and DC Chivers said one man had been charged with allegedly kicking a police dog in the head.

"We have received a fantastic response and we are confident we will identify the other four pictured very soon," he added.

DC Chivers said some pictured County fans had contacted officers to protest their innocence.

But he said: "They have been told there is strong video evidence they have committed a public order offence."

Anyone who recognises any of those pictured are asked to contact DC Simon Chivers at Cardiff Central Police on 029 2052 7277 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111