Humberside Police plea to football fans after England World cup win sees 999 calls soar

Humberside Police has issued a plea to football fans after England's World Cup victory saw 999 calls to the force top New Year's Eve levels.

The force today criticised some fans who chose to celebrate by blocking roads, climbing onto cars and bus shelters, or prank calling 999.

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It released an audio clip of one person who rang 999 to shout "It's Coming Home" at emergency call handlers.

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Chief Superintendent Darren Downs said: “With the combination of the glorious weather, numerous big events across the force and the fantastic result for England, it was always going to be busy and we had extra staff on to help us answer the calls and ensure we could get to those who needed us as quickly as possible.

“What was frustrating was the number of them that were completely inappropriate and could have stopped people whose lives were at risk from getting through straight away.

“Another issue we had was dealing with the – albeit well-meaning – disruption as fans took to the streets to celebrate. I’m sure you’ve all seen the footage in the media of fans flooding out into the streets and climbing on bus shelters and vans.

“It’s great to see everyone so passionate about cheering England on and the amount of national pride people have, but when people start throwing glass bottles and climbing onto moving vehicles – especially when they’ve had a bit to drink – it’s just a recipe for someone to end up getting seriously hurt."

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Saturday night proved to be the force's busiest of 2018 so far and was even busier than New Year’s Eve, which is usually the most demanding day of the year for emergency services.

Humberside Police would usually expect around 1,800 calls on New Year's Eve, 600 of which are to 999.

It received 2,010 calls on Saturday, including 820 to 999.

In sport: From Barnsley and Crewe to the cusp of a World Cup finalSaturday night was our busiest of the year so far – even busier than New Year’s Eve which is usually our most demanding day of the year.

“At New Year we usually get around 1,800 calls,600 of which are to 999. On Saturday we got 2,010 calls and 820 were to 999

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Saturday night was our busiest of the year so far – even busier than New Year’s Eve which is usually our most demanding day of the year.

“At New Year we usually get around 1,800 calls,600 of which are to 999. On Saturday we got 2,010 calls and 820 were to 999

As the semi-final against Croatia approaches, the force is urging fans not to put themselves and others at risk.

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“We don’t want to be killjoys and we’re looking forward to Wednesday’s match as much as everyone else," Chief Supt Downs said.

“We’ve already got extra staff in place to help us keep you all safe and having fun.

“All I would ask is, no matter what the result is, enjoy yourself, celebrate how far we’ve come and look after each other without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. It’s no fun waking up in a hospital bed or one of our cells – and you don’t want to miss the final, do you?”