RICHARD BALLS Police in East Anglia last night issued a pre-World Cup message to drunken hooligans and the owners of pubs and clubs where trouble flares - warning them they faced the toughest response ever seen under new zero tolerance laws.

RICHARD BALLS

Police in East Anglia last night issued a pre-World Cup message to drunken hooligans and the owners of pubs and clubs where trouble flares - warning them they faced the toughest response ever seen under new zero-tolerance laws.

Force helicopters, plain-clothed 'spotters', video camera vans, community support officers, special constables and extra uniformed patrols will all be employed to ensure the tournament passes off peacefully in the region.

Problem pubs could be banned from screening matches and could face losing their licences under get-tough licensing legislation.

Trading standards and licensing officers will also play their part in preventing trouble - taking action against shops, pubs and clubs selling alcohol to under-18s and bars that irresponsibly promote excessive drinking through cheap drinks promotions.

Supt Jo Parrett, of Norfolk police, said the vast majority of licensees were fully co-operative and also wanted people to simply enjoy the tournament.

But she warned: "We will not hesitate to use any powers available to us where we believe that the way in which a situation is developing could become a risk to other members of the public or any other parties involved.

"We're taking a very robust, no-nonsense approach to policing this World Cup. But we expect it to be a fairly trouble-free time."

Police began patrolling every port and airport across the country yesterday in a concerted effort to prevent known hooligans travelling to the World Cup, which kicks off next Friday. They were joined by German police officers in a bid to reassure fans of their safety and create a "carnival" atmosphere during the month-long tournament.

The operation came after more than 3000 people with football banning orders were ordered to hand in their passports ahead of a set deadline and to report to their local police stations during England matches.

Dozens of convicted hooligans from East Anglia were among those who have complied with the order and police chiefs will now be determined to prevent them being involved in violence and anti-social behaviour back at home.

An unprecedented security operation by the Metropolitan Police will include some pubs being closed after games finish and reopened an hour later to stop binge drinking, up to 50 extra police on patrol in the centre of London and score more in outlying boroughs, and 'spotters' looking in bars and clubs for known thugs.

Supt Parrett said Norfolk police would use a range of tactics to crack down on alcohol-fuelled violence, including tough new legislation if necessary. Operation Enterprise - a venture which saw the police and licensees in the city centre join forces - had been a great success in reducing violence around bars and clubs and that work would continue through the World Cup.

Specialist intelligence officers have been assessing which matches are likely to attract large crowds and potentially prompt trouble and making sure the relevant officers and pub landlords have details of troublemakers.

Pubs in Thetford have already been circulated with details of hooligans in order to avoid a repeat of the violence which erupted after England's defeat to Portugal in the European championship two years ago.

Patrons of the Portuguese pub The Red Lion were verbally abused and assaulted and thousands of pounds worth of damage caused after drunken England fans turned angry in the wake of the result.

With the growing number of ethnic communities now living in Norfolk, officers would not only be on the alert during England matches, but right through the competition to discourage disorder, she said.

"We are talking to members of all communities and the message we send out for this World Cup is that we want people to respect other communities and people supporting other teams. We will deal fairly with anybody from whatever community who decide to commit anti-social behaviour or ruin the enjoyment of others."

David Baldry, assistant head of Trading Standards at Norfolk County Council, said: "We will be supporting the police by carrying out a number of test purchase operations throughout the campaign and delivering advice and information to businesses on how to avoid selling alcohol to underage persons."

Jamie McGill, landlord of The Green Dragon in Thetford - which is completely bedecked in England flags and banners - called for a good police presence during high-profile matches and said he would crack down hard on anyone causing trouble and spoiling the matches for others.

But he said there was an excellent atmosphere between English and Portuguese in the market square area and blamed the violence that flared two years ago on local media who had highlighted the presence of a Portuguese-run pub.

"I have a Portuguese flag which we were given two years ago and when I find that I will put that up as well." he said.

"It was reported that people poured out of the doors of the Green Dragon and had a go at the Red Lion. That did not happen at all and I feel there was no mention of the fact that on the night of the trouble about 20 people from the pub went to the Red Lion at half-time and gave them England shirts and there was banter between the two pubs."