ALL police leave has been cancelled tonight as officers gear up for England's clash with the USA.

Assault-related attendances at hospital A&E departments in Lancashire increased by more than 50 per cent when England played on Saturdays during the last World Cup in 2006.

On average assaults rose by 33 per cent on England match days, meaning there were around 300 more hospital attendances than during the equivalent periods in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

As a result extra police have been drafted in East Lancashire town centres to keep a lid on any trouble.

Drinking excessive alcohol is often to blame and officers have pledged to make full use of new legislation which allows them to issue a ‘direction to leave’ to anyone aged 16 or over if they believe their behaviour will contribute to alcohol related crime or disorder.

A ‘direction to leave’ can last for up to 48 hours.

Inspector Steve Dowson said: “Alcohol is a major factor in around half of all violent crime and is also a major factor in anti-social behaviour.

“If you are out watching the World Cup in town or getting into the football spirit at home then be responsible, don’t put yourself or other people at risk.”

Police and NHS staff are working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership to ensure that people make the most of matches without causing harm to themselves or others.

Dominic Harrison, director of public health for NHS Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Care Trust Plus, said: “The mixture of alcohol and high emotion can sometimes mean that frustration can turn to anger which can then lead to violence.

“The public health advice to avoid this is watch and enjoy the match with others if you can, if you do drink alcohol then alternate an alcoholic drink with a soft drink and try not to drink over the safe daily limit.”