British bobbies charm Frankfurt

By Tom Geoghegan
BBC News, Frankfurt

British policemen are building relations with fans in Germany

British uniformed police have begun patrolling Frankfurt, ahead of England's opening World Cup match.

Shouts of "Bobby, bobby, give us a song!" rang out across Frankfurt's main square.

A group of Ipswich fans enjoying the German lager had spotted an unusual sight for Romerplatz - two uniformed British police officers.

Entering into the spirit of the occasion, one of the officers known as "Robbie the bobby" gave a cheerful retort.

"We've won it five times. We've won it five times!" he sang as he approached their table, in reference to Liverpool's European trophies.

'Ambassador role'

Two days before England's first World Cup match against Paraguay, uniformed officers have begun patrolling the streets, just as the volume of fans arriving in the city has increased dramatically.

It is the first time the police have provided a uniformed presence abroad, apart from in war zones.

They are part of a 250-strong contingent of uniformed officers from across Europe working at the tournament.

Out of the 48 uniformed officers deployed in Germany, 44 are on the public transport system and have powers of arrest.

The four in the city, including "Robbie the bobby", are on patrol with German officers in order to help fans and bridge any cultural misunderstandings with the authorities.

Sgt Harrold of Greater Manchester Police is amongst fans in Frankfurt

"It's an ambassador role," explained the boss of the British policing operation, ACC Steve Thomas.

"They meet and greet, and make sure the Germans deliver what they've promised - helpful, smiling police officers."

Tourists of all nationalities were fascinated to see the British uniforms, nudging each other and pointing, and some requested photographs.

'Cultural differences'

Beginning his first patrol, Sergeant Peter Harrold, from Manchester Police, said he provided a recognisable presence to fans.

"Obviously there are cultural differences and we want to make sure the German officers don't read the signals wrong.

"We can also advise the fans early if their behaviour comes to the stage of being intolerable to the local officers."

One of the first fans to sample this pioneering approach was Ben Jordan, 25, from Brighton, who had a question about ticketing arrangements.

After getting the answer from Sgt Mark Carroll of the Met Police, Ben said: "That's great, he was friendly and helpful and knew exactly what he was talking about.

Ther German police have welcomed British help

"The German authorities have been great too, I haven't seen any surly looks at all.

"And there are local volunteers wearing red badges showing what languages they speak so they can help. That's fantastic."

Joint operation

Juergen Kartmann, a German police inspector, said the presence of the British provided his officers with a "psychological boost" as they dealt with thousands of England supporters.

And Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker, visiting the city to witness the joint operation between German and British officers, said it provided a strong symbolism for fans that the two countries were working together.

BANNED FANS 3,500 fans are subject to banning orders 180 have not surrendered their passports One has got into Germany, a ticket tout Another was turned away trying to enter from the Czech Republic

His visit comes a day after the director of public prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, was in Frankfurt to send a strongly-worded warning that his team of Crown prosecutors working in the city would view violence very dimly.

An estimated 40,000 England fans are expected in Frankfurt, and Thursday was the first day there were enough of them for renditions of "God Save the Queen" to be heard across the square.

But, far from being irritated by this interruption to the tranquillity, the Mayor of Frankfurt, Petra Roth, said it was a sight to be welcomed.

She said: "It's wonderful to see the youths of the world coming together and having a party, singing and making friends.

"This is the idea of the football World Cup. As the mayor, I welcome them. Frankfurt is a liberal city and we are used to big parties."