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Downing Street welcomes UEFA probe into violence at England-Russia fans clash

Xinhua, June 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

The British government Sunday condemned violent clashes in the French port city of Marseille Saturday night when England and Russia met in a Euro 2016 match.

A statement issued by 10 Downing Street welcomed UEFA's decision to launch an investigation into the unrest which provoked ugly scenes in Marseille.

A government spokesperson said British government is "deeply concerned" by the violence in Marseille last night, adding, "We condemn the violence and urge calm on all sides."

"We welcome UEFA's decision to launch an investigation into the violence inside the stadium in Marseille last night, and stand ready to assist in any way we can. We appreciate the Russian sports minister's statement of support for the investigation," the spokesman said.

The spokesman added the government is in constant contact with the Euro 2016 organisers and the French authorities and have already provided public order support to the French security operation, including through the deployment of additional police to act as "spotters" in crowds and an enhanced Border Force presence at outbound ports.

"We have offered to send further UK police to France ahead of the next England game to support the security operation around the match in Lens. And UK police will be assisting the French with their post-incident investigations and supporting them to gather evidence, including evidence against any England fans involved in the disorder," added the spokesman.

British Home Secretary Theresa May has spoken to her French counterpart, Bernard Cazeneuve, the Interior Minister, to continue to coordinate and work closely together on the response. The British Foreign Office has also been in touch with Russian authorities about British concerns.

Downing Street added that the Foreign Office has additional staff in France and is providing consular assistance to a number of victims and their families. Six British nationals remain in hospital and several more have received treatment.

"We stand ready to provide further consular assistance as necessary," said Downing Street. Endit