Wiltshire Police are stepping up patrols during World Cup games to avoid violence on the streets and in homes.

Police are warning revellers who take to the pubs to watch matches that they will not stand for those who abuse alcohol and harm those around them.

Sergeant Phil Connor, of Chippenham’s neighbourhood policing team, said Community Safety Partnership posters had been distributed to pubs, appealing to victims to ‘Show domestic abuse the red card’.

Police will be on the lookout for suspected drink drivers.

Sgt Connor said: “We are keen for everyone to enjoy the games in a sensible way. But there is potential for increased disorder and domestic violence, which has close links with alcohol abuse, so we are taking a robust stance.

“We have visited every single licensed premises around Chippenham, Calne and Corsham and the rural areas, spoken to licensees and given advice about our expectations.

"We have reminded them to adhere to the legislation on serving alcohol to drunk persons and that for anyone found breaking the law there will be consequences.

“There have been lots of changes to duties to accommodate extra patrols, both neighbourhood policing and response teams.”

Sergeant Joanne Spencer, of Devizes Police, said they too would have extra officers out during the World Cup and would also be assisted by special constables.

This advice comes as police warned they will will be increasing their roadside enforcement as part of a summer drink and drug-drive campaign.

It will focus on younger drivers and those staying up late to watch the World Cup.

Officers will be conducting operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week and penalties could include a minimum 12-month driving ban, a £5,000 fine and a criminal record.