UP to 10,000 people could gather on Torquay’s Torre Abbey Meadow to watch England’s World Cup matches on a giant screen if Thomas Tuchel’s team makes it through to the later stages of the competition.

The news was revealed during a Teignbridge Council overview and scrutiny meeting at which Chief Inspector James Stock answered questions on local policing.

He said Devon and Cornwall Police were making preparations for a potential big World Cup event on Torquay seafront if England’s results on the field meant it went ahead.

Torbay Council has confirmed that Abbey Park in Torquay is set to host a big screen for the World Cup knockout stages, subject to England qualifying for that phase of the tournament.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Planning is under way, and further details will be confirmed closer to the time, including dates, timings, and on-site arrangements, should England progress.”

Meanwhile, Mr Stock said extra officers were also standing by to handle a potential increase in domestic violence linked to the World Cup.

Research across the country shows that major football tournaments creator a significant spike in domestic violence incidents. Experts say the tournament intensifies existing abusive behaviors and exacerbates risks such as high emotional stress and heavy alcohol consumption.

“We know there is a potential increase linked to sporting events, particularly football,” said Mr Stock. “We have additional resources in place for England and Scotland’s main games.

“The potential increase is relatively small, but we have additional investigators in place.”

He said police would have ‘agility’ for the later stages of the competition when the knockout matches begin, with officers on standby to work on the key dates.

Studies have shown that domestic violence increases by 38 per cent when the national team loses and by 26 per cent when it wins or draws. Binge drinking linked to football matches increases the severity and frequency of physical violence.

People affected by domestic violence can call the Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.org.uk. Many public venues also operate the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme under which anyone feeling unsafe while watching a match can ask staff for ‘Angela’ to receive discreet help.