Police praise football fans for winning performance

We are applauding football fans for a relatively foul-free performance so far this World Cup.

For the most part, football fans have heeded advice about safe drinking and antisocial behaviour with the force making relatively few arrests as a direct result of the tournament.

Just four football related arrests have been recorded since the start of the tournament; three for minor offences and one for an assault.

The praise comes as we continue our World Cup Operation which is aimed at preventing offences such as drink and drug driving, domestic abuse and alcohol-fuelled violence.

Chief Supt Ian Jones from Lancashire Police said: “So far, the England team have done us proud, as have our local fans. I’m pleased to say that we’ve made very few arrests as a direct result of the World Cup, despite thousands of people enjoying the tournament and the extended opening hours at many of our local pubs.

“We aren’t going to be complacent though. Now that our national team is through to the Quarter Finals, we’ll be stepping up our game too - doubling down on our efforts to ensure our communities remain safe for everyone regardless of whether they are following the football or not. 

“We’ll continue with our NightSafe patrols who will be revisiting licences to remind them of their responsibilities, and policing busy town centres.

“We will also be continuing with drink and drug drive checkpoints throughout the county and finally, we will be continuing to reach out and support those who may be suffering domestic abuse encouraging them not to wait until the final whistle to seek help.”

He concluded: “The World Cup is shaping up to be a fantastic tournament. Let’s continue to enjoy it together and keep the celebrations onside.”