HAMPSHIRE Constabulary is tackling violence at home with a dedicated fleet of domestic abuse cars.

Additional police officers dedicated to responding to domestic abuse will be on duty in Hampshire throughout the ongoing football World Cup.

Research conducted by Lancaster University criminologist Dr Stuart Kirby revealed that domestic abuse rose after England games in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups. In one force area, violent incidents rose by 38 per cent when England lost, but also rose by 26 per cent when they won.

Separate national research carried out during the 2010 World Cup echoed the Kirby findings, with reports of domestic abuse rising by 27.7 per cent when England won and 31.5 per cent when they lost.

Since Monday, in response to this anticipated rise in reports of domestic abuse, 10 additional officers in five response vehicles have been on duty when England play - which they will do again on June 24 and June 28.

Chief Inspector Mike Haines said: “While the World Cup is a source of sporting celebration, we also know the tournament leads to an increase in both alcohol-related violence and domestic abuse.

“These additional officers will be on duty not only to be deployed to incidents of domestic abuse but also to follow up domestic abuse incidents that other officers have attended.

“These follow-up visits will enable our officers to spend more time with victims of abuse and help them with safeguarding, with contacting other agencies that can help them, and working with them to make them and their homes safer.

“Our officers will also be able to continue the early investigation and gather the best possible evidence because they will have more time to dedicate to each case.”

Chief Insp Haines said that as well as responding to incidents as they occur, the 10 officers will be used for domestic abuse prevention work ahead of the games.

“These officers will also visit high-risk domestic abuse victims and perpetrators who are already known to us to try to prevent further attacks taking place.”

Additional officers will be on duty on the day of the World Cup final on July 15, and the force will assess the need for additional resources for other matches as the tournament progresses.