World Cup 2018: England fans warned 'don't overstep the line' ahead of semi-final

Police issue guidance after over-excited supporters smash emergency vehicles following England-Sweden clash

Nottinghamshire Police warned a number of tactics were under discussion for Wednesday's game including officers potentially applying for banning orders for fans who cause trouble (Getty )

Football fans have been told not to “overstep the line” as England prepares for its match against Croatia in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final.

Police issued the warning after overexcited fans mounted emergency vehicles and car roofs in a night of alcohol-fuelled revelry following England’s quarter-final win against Sweden.

Greater Manchester Police urged supporters to “be respectful of others”.

“Fans have to strike a balance and we’d ask people not to overstep the line and be respectful of others around them,” said chief superintendent Graeme Openshaw.

“Unfortunately, we are aware that people have been climbing on emergency services vehicles and blocking buses – not only is this dangerous but this is also stopping people from doing an important job.”

Nottinghamshire Police warned that as well as an increased presence in the city on Wednesday, a number of other tactics were under discussion, including officers potentially applying for banning orders for fans who cause trouble while watching a public showing of the match on television.

This would mean they could not attend any regulated football match for a period of at least three years, and would be stopped from travelling to England games in this country or overseas.

Police forces across the country were inundated with 999 calls following England’s victory over Sweden on Saturday, with many receiving more than on New Year’s Eve, and West Midlands Police experiencing its busiest ever 24 hour period.

In London, an ambulance was damaged after revellers jumped on it while it was responding to a call. It is now off road while it is being repaired.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 387 football related incidents were recorded, mostly alcohol related disorder.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the national lead on football policing, said: “There is absolutely no excuse for this type of senseless behaviour. Emergency services resources are already stretched.”

Police issued CCTV images of three men suspected of climbing onto a taxi in Nottingham’s Old Market Square on Saturday, smashing the windscreen and sunroof. Witnesses said the driver, who was not injured, was still inside the car when the vandalism started.

Inspector Phil Grimwade said: “After the game concluded, hundreds of people left the venues where they had watched it at the same time, blocking roads and causing difficulty for traffic and access around Old Market Square.

“The majority of people were well behaved, which the force appreciates, but there were a small number of incidents, to which officers were there within minutes, including damage caused to a taxi.

“A 27-year-old man handed himself in and was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been released on conditional bail.”

The officer added: “We’re now appealing to the public to help us identify three other men who we’d like to speak to in connection with the incident.”

Anyone with information which could help the inquiry is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by agencies