BOTTLES were thrown at an Icelandic family after they watched their football team beat England in the Euros.

Eyewitnesses said the group, which included young children, became the target of some England fans as the Monday night match - being shown live on the beach at Brighton's Big Screen - came to a close and crowds began to leave.

Security guards quickly formed a circle around the family and waited for the England fans to disperse, according to the reports. Police were not called to the scene and no-one is thought to have been injured.

Marie Clements, 27, of Brighton, was in the crowd watching the game and saw the incident.

She said: "Everyone was cheering and supporting their teams all the way through and then at the end I looked over and England fans were throwing bottles at this Icelandic family. I couldn't see if they were hit because the security guards were so quick to build a human barrier.

"It calmed down when everyone left and it was over very quickly. I think most people probably would not even have seen it happen and I think it was an isolated incident. But you could feel there was a bit of tension in the atmosphere. During the match someone near me pointed at the Iceland fans and said 'This is why we are better out.' The whole thing was embarrassing and scary."

More officers were on patrol in the city on Monday because of the Euros but did not receive any reports of racially aggravated assault at the big screen.

Chief inspector Justina Beeken said: "We urge anyone who is a victim of abuse or assault to contact us via 101, or to report on line, but in an emergency you can always call 999. If you saw anything suspicious by Brighton sea front last night, or were indeed a victim, then I would urge you to contact us quoting Operation Wagtail."

Brighton's Big Screen did not response when contacted by The Argus yesterday.