Cricket streakers given warning

Streakers are warned away from Australia and England clash

Police are warning they will be out in force to arrest streakers trying to ruin Thursday's sell-out cricket match between England and Australia.

Durham Police bosses are determined the international event at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street will run smoothly.

More than 16,000 fans have snapped up tickets and they are banned from bringing alcohol into the ground.

More than 50 police officers and special constables will also be on duty to keep the crowd in check.

Ch Insp John Bell, of Durham Police, warned streakers they would be prosecuted.

He said: "It is my hope we do not get any streakers, but if we do the message is quite simple, police will arrest them and will seek a prosecution for aggravated trespass.

Sold out

"Cricket crowds are usually peaceful and the disorder we usually deal with is alcohol-related.

"But there has been an increasing trend in recent years for fans to be overcome by exuberance and take their clothes off, but I make no apologies for repeating they will be dealt with seriously."

The match is the seventh successive summer of international cricket at the County Durham ground.

David Harker, chief executive of Durham County Cricket Club, said: "We have a major sporting event for the region and it is our aspiration to be a true test match arena in the long-term."

The match is one of a three-way tournament also involving Bangladesh and has been sold out for three months.

More than 3,000 vehicles will be able to park around the ground during the match which begins at 1430 BST and is expected to finish at about 2200 BST.