EXTRA police have been drafted into Bournemouth ahead of the Cherries' League One clash with Leeds United on Tuesday night.

The sides meet for the first time since Leeds fans rampaged through Bournemouth 17 years ago, in what became the worst riots ever witnessed in the town.

Police and football officials have worked together for months ahead of the 9,300 sell-out game, which is expected to attract 2,500 away fans to Dean Court.

Although police refused to discuss operational specifics ahead of the game, Chief Supt Bob Boulton assured the Daily Echo additional officers will maintain a presence at the ground and in key areas around town.

Yesterday he said: "We have got a police operation running throughout the next two days.

"We are expecting fans to come into Bournemouth to make use of our facilities so we will have an enhanced presence.

"This is an intelligence-led operation and we are aware of past history. Our emphasis is to get people to the ground for the game and enable them to leave safely."

A handful of supporters from the Yorkshire club made headlines for all the wrong reasons at the weekend.

On Saturday 13 Leeds fans and eight Carlisle supporters were arrested in Carlisle city centre. Police made the arrests as trouble sparked before and after that league encounter.

After their last home game against Millwall mounted police made repeated charges into Leeds supporters, who were waiting outside Elland Road to confront the away fans.

The Londoners, who arrived at the ground on buses, had kicked out their windows to goad Leeds supporters before the game.

Cherries' chief executive Laurence Jones said: "We are looking forward to welcoming our friends from the north to Bournemouth.

"It is going to be a full house and we have worked very closely with Dorset Police for some time now to ensure everybody enjoys the experience.

"The overwhelming majority of supporters want to see a game. If a minority don't, provisions are in place for them to be dealt with."

Earlier this year Dorset Police hailed the midweek scheduling of the Yorkshire side's visit as a victory for common sense.

Mr Jones said: "We want this to be a positive experience for everybody. We have looked at all aspects of stadium security and have things covered from all angles.

"One thing I would ask is for supporters to make their way to the stadium early in order to make the kick-off."