POLICE chiefs are warning hooligans they will not get away with causing trouble at next week's England international football match in the North-East.

Sunderland's Stadium of Light stages the key Euro 2004 qualifier against World Cup semi-finalists Turkey on Wednesday, with the respective country's under-21 teams meeting at St James' Park, Newcastle, the night before.

Northumbria Police will not only have to deal with possible clashes between the two sets of supporters, but also the danger of violence between rival English factions.

Superintendent Jim Campbell said: "There is no doubt that there is a hardcore element hell-bent on causing trouble.

"We cannot ever prevent problems arising away from the stadium. There will be some problems, but we have the flexibility to make sure that they will be nipped in the bud.

"We are ready and waiting and we will police positively. Anyone who engages in unlawful activity will be arrested and eventually prosecuted.

"Our principal objective is to let the football take centre stage and ensure that everyone enjoys what should be a memorable night on Wearside."

There is a history of football violence between English and Turkish fans.

Two Leeds fans were killed in violence with Galatasary counterparts, prior to a European tie between the sides in Istanbul, while Arsenal fans were also involved in skirmishes with followers of the Turkish team in Copenhagen.

Northumbria Police will be using information from Turkish police and tip-offs from the National Criminal Intelligence Service to monitor known trouble-makers and head off any potential confrontations.

Officers will also employ the city's 69 security cameras to stay one step ahead of the hooligans.

More than 50 Sunderland bars in the Pubwatch scheme will have doormen on duty from noon on match day. The outlets will also only be serving drinks in plastic glasses, to prevent potential troublemakers using bottles as weapons.

Fans snapped up tickets for the match in just six hours last month, ensuring a 48,000-plus sell-out.

About 5,000 Turkish fans are expected at the match, with most coming from the Turkish community in the UK.

Police have printed leaflets in Turkish, to ensure all fans can enjoy the match in safety.

All major approaches to the city are being adorned with giant red and white banners, carrying the respective flags and words of welcome in both English and Turkish.