Specialist Devon & Cornwall officers are in Germany helping to police the Euros
The force is also urging fans here to be sensible
Last updated 17th Jun 2024
Specially trained police officers from Devon & Cornwall are out in Germany helping to keep the Euros safe and support the tournament.
England fans were left jubilant last night as Jude Bellingham starred in a 1-0 victory against Serbia to begin the national team's Euro 2024 championship campaign - while before that police in Germany separated fighting football fans after clashes in the city of Gelsenkirchen.
Ahead of the game, Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell said his officers were working to keep people safe both here and abroad - urging fans to be sensible.
In an update on the teams who've travelled to Germany, ACC Colwell said: "They are generally our football experts, our football spotters.
"They work as part of the national network of footballing police officers who are well briefed on the intelligence around those individuals that present the greatest risk in terms of wanting to disrupt or cause harm or violence.
"They'll work with other agencies, both the UK and Europe just to identify those individuals - potentially before they even travel - and take steps to minimise the risk that those individuals pose."
A force spokesperson added: "Everyone is always excited to follow the national team’s progress and many will be making plans to watch matches with friends and family.
"However, the police are being clear that alcohol is not an excuse for bad behaviour, win, lose or draw. Alcohol can and will change people’s behaviour. With emotions running high, things can easily go from friendly banter to something more aggressive.”
While no-one can control the final score, you can end the night on your terms by drinking responsibly and putting your safety and the safety of others first.
“There is a potential for drivers to still be over the limit the morning, too. Many still do not realise how long it takes for alcohol to be out of your system. A morning coffee isn’t the answer, the only solution is time. So please take the time to think about how you’ll be getting home after the final whistle.”