POLICE are gearing themselves up for another hectic night when England take on Croatia in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Town centres were packed with fans for Saturday’s clash with Sweden, stretching Dorset Police to the limit.

While most were well-behaved, a Tweet from PoliceDogDorset revealed some “can’t handle sun, celebration and drink.”

It said: “To all the lovely football fans this evening, we thank you it was lovely meeting you all, to all the idiots that just went out to get drunk, shout at a police dog for being German??? and throw stuff around.....we are sorry you can’t handle sun, celebration and drink.”

A Special Constable also revealed in a Tweet that Saturday night was hard work for officers on duty.

He said: “What was clear from last night was the amount of dedication from regular officers and that no matter the problem or serious an event, they just kept going to help protect their community. Massively stretched last night but all had smiles on faces! Bravo @DorsetPolice regulars!”

Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth was packed on Saturday when thousands of people spilled out of the pubs following England’s victory. Similar numbers are expected on Wednesday.

Superintendent Mike Rogers, of the Alliance Operations Department, said: “We have experienced increasing numbers of jubilant football fans in our towns and local communities as a result of England’s continued success at the World Cup.

“The overwhelming majority of these celebrations have been good-natured, for which we are grateful, and we have taken a friendly, pro-active approach in response.

“Unfortunately there is a very small minority of fans whose behaviour is not what the general public would wish for and that is affecting other people.

“For Wednesday evening we will be putting in a proportionate policing response.”

Fans have continued to appeal for a large screen to be set up in the town centre but it has been ruled out by Bournemouth council.

A spokesman for the council said: “We fully understand the excitement of some England fans who want a large screen in the town for the semi finals.

"Our plans are still not do so as there are many establishments where fans can see the match and support local businesses

"The provision of a public screen requires extensive planning to organise so it is fully licensed in a secured area and provides a safe managed and compliant environment that licensed premises in the town already have.

"There were large screens in cities in the south on Saturday that had planned large outdoor festivals and attractions which were already licensed and compliant and offered visitors and festival goers the opportunity to watch the match."