POLICE have announced plans to ban hooligans from Brighton and Hove for the duration of the World Cup.

Under a crackdown codenamed Operation Jardon police will hand out on-the-spot fines to drunken troublemakers.

More serious offenders will be sent to court and face Football Banning Orders either stopping them from going into the city centre or from entering the city.

Superintendent Steve Voice, who is leading the operation, said: "Our main aim is to make this a safe and trouble-free tournament.

"The majority of supporters are law-abiding and peaceful but there are a few who use events like the World Cup as an excuse to cause trouble. We don't want it and we won't put up with it.

"Sussex has a large number of visitors and students from abroad, and people from abroad who now live here, whose teams may progress through the tournament and who want to enjoy the occasion. We will be affording them protection throughout the area.

Ban on travel "Not only will there be extra high visibility patrols, supported by resources from HQ, but CCTV will be operating across Sussex."

The police are putting extra patrols on the streets during high-profile matches and will send officers to Gatwick and Newhaven to stop known hooligans travelling to Germany by plane or boat.

Supt Voice said: "Staff, visitors and passengers are likely to see additional resources and activity over the World Cup period.

"A great deal of work has gone on nationally to build up an extensive database of known football hooligans and officers will be looking for those people."

Elsewhere in Sussex police have reminded licensed premises they are not allowed to sell alcohol to drunks.

Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, East Sussex divisional commander, said: "The majority of people are law-abiding and peaceful and we want everyone to enjoy the tournament.

"It is unfortunate that a small minority will probably not heed my advice. My message is clear - they will be targeted. We are asking that supporters are sensible and know their limits where alcohol is concerned. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."

Any supporter issued with a banning order has to surrender their passport by May 30 and sign on at a police station on the day of England matches to ensure they cannot travel to Germany.