This summer, thousands of football fans will make their way to the continent to enjoy the UEFA Euro 2016 Championship. In support of the games, British Transport Police (BTP) will be on hand throughout to ensure fans get there and back safely and securely.
Officers from BTP are working closely with French police, train companies, and other partner agencies to ensure fans enjoy safe and peaceful journeys to France throughout the tournament, which kicks off on Friday, June 10 .
Euro 2016 will be the largest ever with 24 teams competing in France to be crowned champions of Europe, with England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland all qualifying for the tournament.
BTP will have officers at key stations including St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International, and BTP will also be accompanying fans on Eurostar services to ensure everyone arrives in France safely.
With a long and successful history of getting fans safely to and from matches during the domestic season, BTP knows the vast majority of fans will make the journey to support their teams and enjoy themselves.
However, BTP will also be working to ensure known troublemakers do not travel, and prevent any disruption.
ACC Alun Thomas said, “We’re looking forward to Euro 2016 and we want to make sure fans get to and from games safely to support their side – whether it’s England, Wales – or any of the other nations taking part. Throughout the tournament we’ll be working closely with our partners at home and abroad to ensure all those fans travelling, enjoy their journey to and from the games. It’s our job to keep the travelling public safe, and fans can expect to see our officers at stations and on board some trains to France. We are there to help and reassure everyone travelling on the rail network during what is sure to be a very busy time. We would encourage fans to report any concerns or issues they have while travelling to us. Together I am sure we can ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey to France.”
