Violence at Euro 2016 'beyond anything seen before'

The British police officer leading the UK policing operation at Euro 2016 says the levels of violence over the past week was beyond anything seen before.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said the attacks carried out by Russians in Marseille were vile.

"What happened there was appalling," he told me.

"The level of violence, the sustained and random nature of the it, the way people were targeted was at a level beyond what we have seen anywhere and was absolutely vile."

Accepting that a minority of England fans were also caught up in the violence he confirmed that a team of British officers are now working with the French to identify individuals.

"Let's be candid there were England fans there who behaved badly some seeking violence some being anti social.

"We've identified 48 images of people involved in bad behaviour and will be seeking banning orders when they return to the UK."

Reflecting on the violence seen in Lille last night ACC Roberts insisted England fans were not the sole perpetrators.

"The initial headlines of English fans fighting with the French look absolutely appalling especially given what we have already seen in this tournament.

"But the vast majority of people being cleared from the streets were French and after midnight there were no reports of any British fans being arrested.

"In terms of those injured 4 were taken to hospital during the course of the day and were treated for minor injuries."