POLICE dealt with "minor disorder" which was "nothing we wouldn't expect" on Saturday night as England booked their place in the semi-final of Euro 2020.

A large gathering of fans filled a part of Bournemouth Square late into the night following the 4-0 win over Ukraine on Saturday night.

While Dorset Police said this was "good-natured", the NPAS helicopter was requested to "monitor the crowd from a public safety perspective.

Superintendent Richard Bell told the Daily Echo: “As expected this Saturday was very busy with a significant number of people watching the football both at home and at venues across the county. Our high-visibility operation helped ensure the day and night passed smoothly.

“On the whole people were well behaved and good-natured. We did respond to incidents of minor disorder throughout the evening and into the early hours of the morning, but nothing that we wouldn’t expect to see when you have a vibrant night time economy.

“Following the full-time whistle, there was a large gathering of fans in Bournemouth Square which lasted a couple of hours. This was also good-natured, but we did use the police helicopter to help us monitor the crowd from a public safety perspective due to its size.

“We did have a number of missing people reported to us throughout the night; mostly young people who all returned home safely. This does divert police resources away from those who need us the most, so please make sure you know where your teenagers are on match day."

As reported, police were also called to Bournemouth Electric Club on Saturday night following reports of an altercation involving a group of men.

England are back in action on Wednesday night in the semi-final against Denmark.

Superintendent Bell added: “All eyes are now on Wednesday’s semi-final against Denmark. Operationally we will be increasing the number of officers we have on the ground so expect a more visible presence for the match across the whole county.

“Pubs will continue to be operating at a reduced capacity and the majority of bars in the area are operating a bookings only policy, so if you are thinking of heading out to watch the game, please plan ahead and make sure you have a table booked in advance.

"If you are watching at home with friends, please ensure you follow Covid guidelines and if you are planning to have a drink, please be sensible.”