Russian police get down to work

Russian police have begun work at the European football championship keeping watch over their country's fans attending the tournament, Russian press reported Saturday.

“Our officers have already started work at the European championships,” interior ministry spokeswoman Olga Shklyarova told Russian newspapers.

“Together with local police they will monitor all the areas where Russian fans may be present,” she said, adding that Russian officers were currently in Austria for the Russian team's first match against Spain.

“The stadiums are being especially closely watched. But the hotels, streets and public places where the matches are to be broadcast on the big screeens will also be the focus of their attention,” she added.

“No incidents with Russian fans involved have been noted there so far.”

Shklyarova said Russian police officers would stay at Euro-2008 for as long as the national side remained in the championship.