A CRACK police squad is to patrol Swindon town centre to ensure Euro 2004 is not marred by violence.

Police fear a combination of football plus soaring temperatures could lead to a binge drinking frenzy.

And while officers want fans to enjoy themselves, they have issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers.

Sergeant Madeleine Lynch, one of the officers in charge of the unit, said: "We want everyone to enjoy watching the football and support their country.

"But we won't let drunken behaviour and violence ruin the tournament."

A squad of six officers plus a sergeant will hit the town centre for England's first match Sunday's showdown with France.

They will be joined by four officers who are permanently deployed in the town centre.

Officers will also be unveiling their latest weapon in the fight against the spate of drink-fuelled violence which has blighted the town in recent months.

A mobile van packed with CCTV cameras will tour the centre, picking out thugs.

Sgt Lynch was on patrol during the last Euro games, in 2000.

"It was very convivial, but there were sporadic outbursts of violence," she said.

"I found that we got on very well with the crowds, and that is the way we want it to be this year.

"Sometimes when England lose, fans can feel very dejected, and trouble starts.

"Also, the heat can lead to dehydration, which means the pints go down faster.

"We are going to be in the town centre early on Sunday because I think people will start drinking early."

The unit will be on patrol during all England games.

Police are planning a major crackdown on alcohol-fuelled crime this summer.

They will be supported by trading standards officers, who will be targeting off-licences and supermarkets which sell booze to under-18s.

Keep your yelling happy

Football fans were today warned of the dangers of "voice abuse" during the Euro 2004 tournament.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists said that during the World Cup two years ago there was an increase in the number of people attending clinics with hoarse or no voices, especially young boys.

The college said that excessive shouting, singing and screaming was to blame for voice problems as fans became overexcited during tense England games.

Experts warned that repeated "voice abuse" could lead to more serious long-term damage.

One answer to the problem, they said, was "happy yelling".

Leading voice therapist Jayne Comins said: "Happy yelling is less likely to cause voice damage. When you are angry and frustrated you tend to tighten up and cause more injury."

The RCSLT issued advice on how fans can look after their voices:

Avoid long periods of overuse.

Drink water and juice eight to 10 glasses a day to keep the vocal cords hydrated.

Reduce or stop smoking as this irritates the vocal cords and causes swelling.

If your hoarse voice does not recover after two weeks then seek medical attention.

Tamash Lal