HAMPSHIRE police will create a dedicated force to tackle domestic violence during the World Cup.

Force bosses have announced an additional 10 police officers will be sent out in patrol cars across the county for the duration of the tournament in Russia.

The officers will respond to calls about domestic abuse during England’s games on June 18, 24 and 28.

They will also follow-up on other incidents attended by other police officers.

It comes after research showed violent incidents rose by 38 per cent when England lost a World Cup match and 26 per cent when they won.

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 follow-up incidents that other officers have attended.

“These 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 work 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 Inspector 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.

The announcement follows on from research conducted by Lancaster University criminologist, Dr Stuart Kirby, which revealed that domestic abuse rose after England games in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Separate national research carried out during the 2010 World Cup echoed the findings.