Extra police will be in Colchester tonight after officers admitted they were outnumbered by celebrating football fans on Saturday.

Up to 500 boisterous supporters completely blocked Queen Street after England's Euro 2000 victory over arch rivals Germany.

Despite an increased police presence on the town's streets there were still not enough officers to intervene - although in the end the high spirited rejoicing passed off peacefully.

Now even more officers are being drafted in to bolster the ranks for today's match and Saturday's if England get through.

At a meeting of the town's Pub Link, PC Steve Casey, of Colchester police, said: "We are getting extra bodies in for Tuesday and Saturday and are reviewing that throughout the competition.

"We were outnumbered on Saturday night but the event was policed safely."

He said the officers present made the decision that the celebrations were in high spirits and did not intervene.

Pubs and clubs are also expected to increase the numbers of door staff and have them working earlier during the build-up as well as the game itself.

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