CAMBRIDGESHIRE police will step up patrols in Huntingdonshire towns for England’s match against France tonight.

England’s first Euro 2012 match kicks off at 5pm in Donetsk against bitter rivals, and Group D favourites, France.

Officers say there was no significant increase in violence or disorder in the county during the last World Cup but there was a rise in rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour around higher profile matches involving England.

Patrolling officers will visit pubs and bars before and during matches to ensure they are complying with their licence, including not selling alcohol to drunk people.

If officers believe someone could commit crime or cause disorder, they can use orders under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act to remove them from an area for 48 hours.

They will also confiscate alcoholic drinks from children or those consumed in designated public places.

Chief Inspector Nick Knight said: “If people choose to go out to watch this afternoon’s match, and maybe stay out afterwards, they should be able to do so without seeing any violence or disorder.

“Likewise, our priority is public safety so we will not tolerate anti-social or illegal behaviour.

“We are working with pubs to make sure people do not drink too much alcohol and officers will take action to nip potential problems in the bud.”

In Cambridgeshire, police have enforced football banning orders on 18 people, 11 in Peterborough, six in Cambridge and one in March.

These people were required to surrender their passports to police stations in those areas by May 30 for the duration of the tournament, regardless of the success of the England team.

INFORMATION: Anyone who has concerns about a football related event or potential public order problems should call Cambridgeshire police on 101.