Police put stop to post-match violence

A COMBINATION of sunshine and alcohol fuelled outbursts of aggressive behaviour across Suffolk after England were knocked out of the World Cup.

Police say up to a dozen people were arrested around the county for drink related incidents which took place on Saturday night.

Extra officers were out patrolling the streets and say most incidents happened in Ipswich, Haverhill, Lowestoft and Brandon.

There were also outbursts of “ill-feeling” towards Portuguese people across the county although police have not confirmed any specific incidents.

Anne-Marie Breach, of the Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Policing of the evening seems to have gone well.

“There were sporadic incidents of disorder across the county but having the additional officers on duty meant most incidents were dealt with at an early stage.”

Extra officers patrolled the streets until 3am and made around 12 arrests throughout the county.

Mrs Breach added: “There were no major incidents despite officers being very busy.”

Evening Star photographer Jerry Turner went out with police in Ipswich for an hour after the game and focused on the Norwich Road and Old Cattle Market areas.

He said: “The police were very quick to get to an incident in order to diffuse it straight away and this seemed to work very well.

“We saw an incident in Norwich Road where some fans were walking home after the match and got into an argument with people I believed to be Portuguese.

“A police dog accompanied officers when they went to confront the group and there was not any violence. It was over very quickly.

“In fact a lot of people were thanking officers for what a good job they were doing.”

Did you see any incidents after the game? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.