A DISPERSAL order has been put in place by police ahead of England's World Cup semi-final.

Essex Police will have power to request people causing anti-social behaviour to leave Colchester town centre between 4pm today and 2am tomorrow morning following the Croatia game.

Anyone who refuses could be arrested and in the worse case scenario end up being sentenced to six months in prison or a fine up to £5,000.

England fans have spilled out onto Head Street after each of the games in the tournament so far.

Celebrations from the vast majority have been good natured - but yobs who smashed bus shelters in the town centre after Saturday's quarter final by climbing on top of them and leaping off - have been criticised by police and Colchester Council bosses.

England legend Peter Shilton - who now lives on Mersea Island - has also urged people to enjoy the game but not to ruin things with loutish behaviour.

Superintendent Tom Simons said: “Understandably, the success of our national team in this year’s World Cup competition has proved extremely popular amongst the community, with many people choosing to watch the match in restaurants, bars or pubs.

“Disorder following England’s success in the previous stages of the competition made it necessary to shut access to some roads for safety reasons.

“These dispersal orders aren’t put in place to stop people from celebrating England’s success in the competition, but to reduce the likelihood of disorder and help to ensure that anyone wanting to watch the match in either the town or city centre can do so in a safe and enjoyable environment.

“We would like to urge people to act and drink responsibly as we support the team’s journey in this competition.”