Police launched an operation for the World Cup at a meeting with licensees from across the borough.

Harrow officers held the meeting with more than 30 landlords at The Junction, in Gayton Road, yesterday, to share plans for policing during the competition, which will start next week.

Police discussed how to work with pubs and bars across Harrow to minimise disruption during England’s games in the first round.

Inspector Tanya Sprunks, who will be leading the operation in Harrow, said: “We’re really pleased with the response we have had from the licensees in the borough.

“We want to work with them to make sure people are safe and enjoy the World Cup.

“During major tournaments we always see an increase in disturbances and we want to work with pubs and bars and take all the precautions we can to handle them.”

The Metropolitan Police have designated England’s group games as days with an increased chance of disturbances and as a result more police will be on patrol in Harrow.

During the meeting yesterday police highlighted the role landlords and their staff can play in identifying vulnerable people who may be in their venues.

Officers also called on licensees to be on the lookout for possible cases of domestic abuse during the World Cup.

It was revealed that during major competitions reports of domestic abuse increase with the national rate increasing by 27 per cent at the last World Cup.