POLICE horses and extra officers are being drafted from all over Wiltshire ahead of Swindon Town’s crunch derby match tomorrow.

The kick-off has been brought forward by police to 1pm to reduce the chance of violence breaking out between rival Robins supporters and Bristol Rovers fans.

A significantly higher number of police officers will be visible around the County Ground and in the town centre before and after the League One clash.

The fans of the west country teams have a history of bad blood and police will be on red alert in clamping down on any trouble.

Last night PC Jim Neighbour, Swindon Police’s football liaison officer, said: “This is classed as a high priority game. It’s a derby and a massive game for Swindon Town as they are doing so well in the league.

“The game will be policed appropriately, but as this is a derby there will be more police than normal.

“There will be predominantly Swindon officers and there will be police from all over the county.

“The decision to have an early kick-off was taken by Swindon Police based on history of the two teams.”

There were clashes before, during and after a match between the sides in December 2006.

Shoppers watched in horror as supporters brawled in the streets and during the match seats were ripped out and used as missiles.

One man from Swindon admitted being drunk while trying to enter the County Ground. Three others, one Swindon man and two from Bristol, all denied public order offences at a later hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court.

In April 2007 a gang of 20 hooligans armed with baseball bats attacked Swindon Town fans before the team’s tie with Rovers.

The unprovoked violence took place at the Inn on the Green pub in Horfield, Bristol, as about 30 Town fans gathered before the pre-season friendly.

Then 12 arrests were made by police after trouble erupted before a derby match in November of the same year.

Any fan trouble can be reported directly to police at the game or by calling 0845 408 7000. Alternatively ring Crimestoppers, where information can be left anonymously, on 0800 555 111.