Some witnesses claimed some attackers, including one with a Bolton Wanderers tattoo and another with a ‘Lest We Forget’ tattoo, were wearing masks and Albanians were also involved.

“It was proper mental,” a witness said. “A group of lads just appeared out of nowhere and started going for them. There were guys on the floor and blood everywhere.”

Another English fan, who was not involved in the violence, claimed a group of men in balaclavas “ran around the corner and started throwing bottles”.

“I ran away and the next thing I saw was the tables being smashed and chairs being thrown,” the fan, who gave his name as Larry, added.

His friend added: “It was premeditated. They threw bottles, I just ran off.”

The Serbian group attacked by England fans included former cruiserweight boxer Alexander Petkovic, who unsuccessfully challenged Britain’s Jonny Nelson in 2003

Speaking outside the restaurant  minutes before the attack, Mr Petkovic: “It’s always possible that there will be trouble but Serbia will never attack first.

However he added: “If we are attacked then we will fight back. It is in the history of Serbians to defend ourselves.”

A mother and son enjoying their regular Sunday routine of coffee and cake at the Café Pabot opposite the Hirt Steakhouse said they were sat on the first floor when “all of a sudden bits of food and bottles started being thrown.”

“It happened so fast,” Felix Wurmes, 35, said. “Then one group ran off, followed by the other.”