Football supporters claim they journeyed 800 miles from Sussex to Spain for an international friendly only to be subjected to violent unprovoked attacks by local police.

A dossier of 70 witness statements accuses police of "indiscriminate assaults" during the match between England and Spain at the Estadio Santiago, in Madrid, nearly two weeks ago.

In the document, prepared by supporters' club organiser, Adrian Clarke, from Kingston Lane, Shoreham, fans describe how police stormed through bars ahead of the game, using batons against peaceful fans.

Mr Clarke, 31, who co-ordinates the Southcoast England fans group, said: "We got to the stadium early and went to the bar for a drink and there was a good atmosphere with the Spanish fans.

"Then all of a sudden there was a massive surge and we saw police attacking people indiscriminately with batons.

"They were seconds from beating my friend, who is disabled and had been tipped over."

The ugly scenes at bars near the stadium and inside the ground have attracted widespread condemnation of the Spanish authorities.

Further problems after the match prompted officials from the Football Association (FA) and the Home Office to contact their Spanish counterparts, urging them to investigate the complaints.

England supporter Paul Turner, 27, from Hurstpierpoint, said: "People started to run backwards to avoid the madness, some fans fell off the kerb in the dark and I fell over the top of them onto the ground.

"A police officer came over, he said something to me in Spanish and kicked me straight in the face with his boot.

"I then protected my face with my arms and he struck me three or four times on my ankle with his baton.

"We were victims of a completely unprovoked attack by Spanish police and you do not expect it in a civilised country."

The national Football Supporters' Federation said English fans have made concerted efforts to improve their image since the 2002 World Cup in Japan.

England's black footballers were subjected to racist abuse from Spanish supporters during the match, prompting calls for action by the Spanish FA.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are aware of widespread concerns and complaints about the treatment of English fans at the match.

"We have sought and will consider reports from the English police delegation in Spain, the FA, British Consulate and supporter groups.

"Our football disorder strategy is based on being tough on known troublemakers but supportive of the great majority of fans.

"It is crucial that all fans know, including England fans, that they will be treated on the basis of their behaviour rather than reputation."

Madrid police were unavailable for comment.