World Cup sparks Kent domestic violence rise
There was a rise in domestic violence incidents in Kent when England played their first World Cup match, police said.
The force's officers responded to 21 extra incidents in the county on Saturday and Sunday, compared with the previous weekend.
It came as England lost 2-1 to Italy in Manaus, Brazil, on Sunday.
Police statistics show that there is often an increase in such cases when England play.
The spike, which is irrespective of the match result, is mostly due to drinking, police said.
Det Ch Insp Andy Pritchard, from Kent Police, said: "Football doesn't cause domestic abuse, but it can certainly be a factor that can compound it within certain relationships.
"We predicted that there would be an increase in domestic incidents during the tournament and we want people to report these incidents to us, and to be confident about doing so."
A specialist clinic has been set up to support victims of domestic violence at Greenfields children's centre in Shepway during the event.