GMP gears up for a safe World Cup

Greater Manchester Police is gearing up to ensure football fans enjoy a safe World Cup.

It is expected there will be a large number of people travelling to town and city centres when the tournament begins today (Friday 11 June 2010) to the matches on large screens or in pubs.

Chief Superintendent Dave Anthony of Greater Manchester Police said: "The tournament is a great sporting occasion for the whole country and we want everyone to enjoy it while staying safe."

GMP has been planning the policing operation for a number of months, working closely with local authorities, Greater Manchester Ambulance Service, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and the NHS.

Additional police officers, including those from the mounted unit and dog handlers will be in town and city centres before, during and after all England matches.

Each area across Greater Manchester has extra resources in the event of any form of disorder and to provide support to the divisional officers.

There are also plans in place for other matches to ensure fans enjoy these safely.

Research has shown domestic abuse incidents increased by a third during World Cup 2006 and across the force specialist domestic abuse officers will be on duty at key times during the tournament to ensure that full support is available to those in need.

Chief Superintendent Anthony continued: "We are incredibly experienced in policing large scale events and as there will be opportunities for fans to watch the matches on large screens, there will be a strong policing presence to ensure everyone's safety.

"I know people will have a drink or two while watching the football, but drinking to excess can increase the chances of people falling victim to violent disorder or becoming involved in violent attacks.

"Even minor scuffles can have devastating consequences. As little as one punch can kill or seriously injure someone.

"Anyone involved in violence at the fan zones or pubs will be arrested and we will request that Football Banning Orders are imposed as part of the sentence given by the courts, preventing them from travelling to tournaments or going to football matches."