Football hooligans sparked violence in Essex after England's last minute defeat to France in Euro 2004

A police spokesman said there were a number of public order incidents in Colchester during and after the match.

Two people were arrested in the town.

"It's disappointing," said the spokesman. "It was people who'd had a few drinks and got carried away."

A large police presence was highly visible in the town centre at the final whistle, with uniformed officers, backed by officers from the Royal Military Police, on duty.

Sgt Emma Austin said they had been kept busy as fighting broke out at various points around the town centre.

Published Monday June 14, 2004

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