Match-day domestic violence 'up 50% in Staffordshire'

A domestic violence crackdown has been announced by Staffordshire Police after a 50% rise in domestic call-outs on the day of England's first World Cup game.

Home Office figures suggest domestic abuse rose 25% in England and Wales during England match days during the last World Cup in 2006.

Staffordshire Police said 43 domestic incidents were reported after England's 1-1 draw with the USA on Saturday.

It said any rise was unacceptable and urged all victims to contact police.

The reports led to a "significant number" of arrests, but the full figures are not available yet, it added.

Staffordshire Police said 43 reported incidents out of a population of more than 1m people was 50% higher than for a typical Saturday night, but also included reports of domestic incidents where no crimes had been committed.

Assistant Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: "It's utterly unacceptable that anyone thinks they can assault their partner simply because of a football match in South Africa.

"If people behave in this way we will strive to put them in prison."