Thames Valley Police

Alcohol-related disorder leads to World Cup arrests

A police force recorded 73 football-related incidents and made 12 arrests during the World Cup, with more than half occurring around England's quarter-final and semi-final matches.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) said alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour were among the main issues encountered during the tournament.

It added that it responded to 12 domestic abuse incidents linked to the competition, accounting for 16% of all football-related incidents.

"While most fans celebrated responsibly, we took action where behaviour crossed the line," said Supt Ade Hall from TVP.

Most incidents were linked to alcohol-related disorder, violence connected to licensed premises and anti-social behaviour in town centres and other public spaces, TVP said.

The force made 10 arrests during England's quarter-final and semi-final matches, which eventually saw the team crash out of the tournament.

Throughout the police operation, known as Operation Aurora, no hate crimes, football banning order-related offending or community tensions were reported.

TVP's lead on domestic abuse and stalking, Det Supt Holly Stockwell, said: "Sadly during the tournament we did see a number of domestic abuse incidents which appeared to be directly linked to the tournament."

Stockwell said officers made arrests and worked to support and protect victims, adding that their work to help those affected by domestic abuse does not stop.

TVP said it carried out targeted safeguarding work and welfare checks throughout the tournament to protect people considered at increased risk of domestic abuse.

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