RED-FACED police have apologised to a number of actors whose images were mistakenly issued as “wanted” pictures as part of an investigation into football crowd trouble.

The Met this week issued 66 pictures of fans wanted in connection with the violence which marred the West Ham v Millwall League Cup match in August.

Police used a Sky News report to capture the images but mistakenly included pictures of actors playing football hooligans in recent film The Firm.

A Met spokesman said: “ "Six images of individuals who were not involved in the violence were mistakenly included.

"These images appear to have been taken from a motion picture.

"We wish to apologise unreservedly to those affected. We are going to be actively trying to contact those people to offer our apologies."

Violence took place before, during and after the match on August 25.

A 43-year-old Millwall supporter, described by police as “an innocent family man” was stabbed after mistakenly going to the wrong entrance of the Upton Park ground.

A total of 41 people have now been arrested in connection with the incident, and 29 have been charged.

But police and West Ham United are still keen to find more culprits.

The latest gallery of wanted pictures can be viewed at met.police.uk/caught_on_camera, the Crimestoppers 'Most Wanted' page at crimewatch-uk.org/wanted and the official West Ham FC website at whufc.com.

Anyone who recognises any of those pictured, or who has information, should call police on 8217 5039, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.