EXTRA police will be on Sidmouth’s streets when the World Cup begins next week – with special cover organised for England’s matches.

Officers’ shifts have been changed to ensure there is enough coverage when England games are broadcast in pubs.

England begin their campaign in Brazil next Saturday, June 14, when they take on Italy at 11pm.

Group stage matches against Uruguay, on June 19 at 8pm, and Costa Rica, on June 24 at 5pm, will follow.

The tournament begins on Thursday (June 12).

Sergeant Andy Squires said the extra police presence is intended to pour cold water on any ‘fired-up’ fans and diminish the increased potential of anti-social behaviour and drink-related disorder.

“We have to address it accordingly and up our staff levels,” he told the Herald.

“Officers have had their shifts altered to provide extra cover.”

Devon and Cornwall Police also launched an annual summer drink and drug driving crackdown related to the tournament this week.

The consequences of driving while over the limit, or the morning after drinking, are a focus of the campaign.

Any driver stopped by officers will be tested.

Insp Richard Pryce, lead on roads policing, said: “The increased likelihood of involvement in a collision means a high risk of death or injury.

“If stop-checked and found over the limit, the social consequences will severely impact on an individual’s life through the loss of a driving licence and possibly employment and potentially your home.

“We want everyone to enjoy the World Cup but the scheduling times of some matches means there is potential for people to drink later into the night.

“In the morning they may drive at the normal time without considering whether they may be over the drink-drive limit.”