Police Plan Exctra Patrols for Euro 2016 Qualifier

BTP
Published 6th Oct 2015

Extra police officers will patrol trains to ensure passengers are safe as supporters travel to Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifier on Thursday.

British Transport Police (BTP) said it will put a "robust'' operation in place, with officers from other BTP divisions in England and Wales drafted in to help for the Poland match.

The force said officers will be carrying out "substantially more'' on-train patrols to ensure people travelling to the match by rail can get to Hampden Park in Glasgow safely and securely.

Police will be wearing body-worn video cameras which can record the movement and behaviour of supporters.

Alcohol restrictions will be in place between Glasgow Central and stations serving Hampden before and after the match.

Chief inspector David Marshall, who is co-ordinating the BTP operation, said: "It is important to stress that not everyone travelling on the train before and after the match is going to this crunch game.

"We do not want them or rail staff having to endure any kind of anti-social behaviour or disorder which a minority of football supporters get involved in.

"Anyone found to be in possession of flares or pyrotechnics will be dealt with appropriately and may not be permitted entry to what is sure to be an exciting match.''

Trains are expected to be extremely busy as One Direction are performing at the Hydro on the same night.

Supporters are advised to plan their journey in advance, note that queuing systems will be in place and leave plenty of time to get to the match.