Police forces ready for England game

SUFFOLK and Essex police forces are bracing themselves for any potential trouble in the wake of tonight's crunch England v Turkey match.

With fans from across the region expected to pack out pubs and clubs to cheer on the Three Lions, police fear a bad result could lead to alcohol-fuelled violence and other problems.

In the build up to the game, which will be held in Istanbul, Essex Police have been monitoring both Stansted Airport and Harwich Port in a bid to stop known troublemakers travelling.

High-visibility policing in potential trouble spots like Colchester will be used tonight to deter any problems.

Helen Cook, a spokeswoman for Essex Police, explained that no fans had been caught at either Stansted or Harwich, but details of anyone suspected to be heading to the game had been sent to Turkish intelligence.

She added: "Obviously, we want people to enjoy the game, but remember that it is just a game at the end of the day.

"We hope that it is enjoyed in the right spirit but we will have officers ready and available if there is any disorder of any kind – we are prepared for that potential."

Meanwhile, Anna Woolnough, a spokeswoman for Suffolk police, said that the force is also ready for any trouble.

She added: "We are urging football fans to be responsible and to ensure that they make arrangements to get themselves and their friends home safely.

"While it is hoped that everyone will enjoy the game in good spirits, sector commanders have carried out risk assessments for their own areas and will be ensuring that resources are available to deal with any problems that may arise.

"Licensees have regular contact with the police, through schemes such as Clubwatch and Pubwatch, and are aware of the measures that need to be taken to ensure that their patrons enjoy a night out in safety.

"By ensuring that nobody consumes too much alcohol and alerting police at the first signs of any trouble, disturbances will be kept to a minimum."