POLICE had to close a road in Colchester town centre as celebrating England football fans spilled out into the street.

It was only England’s first match in the World Cup but the last minute 2-1 victory against Tunisia had fans jumping for joy.

Videos were shared on Facebook of a throng of fans celebrating outside Walkabout, where they had been watching the game.

Police are seen standing close to the group, making sure things did not get out of hand.

The fans can be seen dancing and chanting the anthem Please Don’t Take Me Home after the match at about 9pm on Monday.

Mike Lilley (Lab), councillor responsible for public safety, said fans are encouraged to celebrate but added they must be respectful.

He said: “Celebrating a victory is good, but people must do it within the premises they were in.

“There was an awful lot of people on Head Street, it’s a busy road and bus route and it’s not really acceptable.

“There were no arrests and there was no fighting which was good.”

He has contacted licensing officers and has said if there is anything the council need to be concerned about, they will take action.

He added: “People need to enjoy themselves and celebrate. We want people to have a good time, just don’t clog the roads up.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said they were, on the whole, satisfied with how fans behaved.

He said: “Our officers closed Head Street, Colchester, for a short period of time following last night’s game.

“These closures were put in place to ensure public safety with a large number of people leaving venues after the match finished.

“We would like to thank people for their co-operation and support while we enforced these closures.

“The majority were in good spirits.”

The Stonegate Pub Company is in charge of all Walkabout venues.

A company spokesman said the firm would review its approach after each game.

He added he was glad no police action was taken.

He said: “It was great to see England fans turn out in force to support their country last night and a great time was certainly had by all in our venues.

“Whilst the last-minute winner sparked huge celebrations which spilled out into the street, with no incidents reported, no police action taken and all saying that everyone was good natured in their revelries, it is difficult to comment further.

“However, wellbeing and security is paramount in our venues and as such we will always after every game review our approach to ensure our guests don’t just ensure maximum enjoyment of the World Cup but they do so in an environment which is safe for all.”