Extra police will patrol Gatwick airport to stop football hooligans travelling to Euro 2004 in Portugal, the Government has announced.

Destinations across mainland Europe will be monitored too amid fears hooligans may travel to countries other than Portugal first. Security will also be increased at sea ports.

Chief Inspector John Dunkling, based at Gatwick, said: "If you're a football hooligan and attempting to fly to Portugal for Euro 2004, don't bother.

"Staff, visitors and passengers are likely to see additional resources and activity within the terminals over the Euro 2004 period.

"A great deal of work has gone on nationally to build up an extensive database of known football hooligans.

"Gatwick officers will be looking for those people and anyone else who attempts to take on that role.

"England will have more supporters at this tournament than any other nation apart from the hosts, Portugal.

"The overwhelming majority of these England fans are law-abiding and peaceful. A very small minority are not.

"The aim of the national operation is to make Euro 2004 a safe and trouble-free tournament.

"Police forces across the country are working with their partners, both here and abroad, to achieve that."

Friday May 28, 2004