A POLICE chief is spearheading an operation to deter Burnley troublemakers ahead of England's clash with Turkey in the Euro 2004 qualifying match on Saturday.

Police will be out in force in the town with officers carrying out extra, high-visibility patrols throughout Burnley in a bid to combat any trouble and provide added reassurance to residents.

They will also be working closely with local licensees to ensure that suspected offenders are quickly identified and dealt with.

Police have already issued advice on the use of plastic glasses and closing times to all relevant pub landlord's.

Evidence-gathering teams, equipped with video cameras, will also be in action, filming football fans and police warned there would be no escape for troublemakers.

Mounted police, dog handlers as well as members of the Operation Fixture team will be in town to help put the breaks on any trouble.

Burnley's Inspector Richard Robertshaw, who is spearheading the town's match policing operation, said: "England need to draw or win the match to ensure qualification as group winners for the Euro 2004 championships, so this is a crucial match.

"This, plus the fact that there have been previous problems between English and Turkish fans, means that we will be taking no chances when it comes to local policing arrangements.

"At this moment in time, there is nothing to suggest that there will be disorder in Burnley -- or elsewhere in Pennine Division -- but extra police officers are being deployed so that we can deter rowdy behaviour. It also means we can ensure that, if there is any trouble, we can respond to it very quickly -- and that's no idle threat."

He added: "Last season we made 131 arrests and secured 47 Football Banning Orders. Our message to troublemakers is crystal clear: disorderly or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by police in Burnley. Offenders can expect tough penalties."