#Euro2016 Northumbria police officer praised for England fan security
Derby day top cop is being praised for his work at Euro2016 so far but police chiefs are still ‘very concerned' about violence
Northumbria Police are warning feisty fans to walk away, after six England fans were jailed in France.
Violence marred the start of Euro2016 over the weekend, including reports over 150 Russians involved in the trouble had been trained to fight.
Police chiefs say England fans were targeted in an orchestrated way inflicting serious injuries. However, a small minority let themselves down, with six men jailed yesterday.
Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, from Northumbria Police, is heading up the England fan security there but Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird says it’s a tough job. She said:
“Steve has got huge experience in this but he is finding it quite a challenge because clearly there are fans who are not behaving properly to put it mildly, of all nationalities.
“Also he is working with foreign police forces who have got completely difference protocols and completely different understandings and completely different tactics from Northumbria police.
“He’s doing a very sterling job and we’re very proud of him.”
Vera Baird’s view on the violence is simple, she says:
“It obviously reflects badly on the whole sporting agenda in the UK. They’re a great thing for folk to rally around, they’re an important part of our community, and the value is very considerable so please stop spoiling that for everybody else who gets a lot out of it.”
It comes as the National Police Chiefs’ Council admit they’re ‘very concerned about the violent behaviour.
NPCC’s Lead for Football Policing, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts, said:
“We are continuing to work with French police and Russian policing team to prevent further violence and support investigations to help bring offenders to justice. Additional officers from the UK have been deployed to support the French policing operation in Lens and Lille in the lead up to the next game.
“Officers in France and the UK are currently gathering evidence to ensure that any fans who have been involved in disorder could, where appropriate, be subject to a football banning order on their return to the UK.
“My advice to fans out in France is to keep yourselves safe and behave responsibly - do not retaliate to provocation and seek help from police if you are harassed or attacked.”
Help police identify the people responsible by reporting any violence or anti-social behaviour, including any camera phone footage, to Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111.
Those planning attend upcoming games should consult the latest travel advice from the FCO for any updates.