EMERGENCY domestic abuse calls to police in West Yorkshire soared by a third following England’s dramatic opening draw in the Euro 2016 football tournament.

Force call handlers dealt with 76 such 999 calls across the county - a 33 per cent increase on the norm - after Russia’s last gasp goal denied England victory.

Police also had to deal with a large number of calls to disturbances and alcohol-related incidents after the match.

A total of 3,606 calls, 999 and 101, were received between 8pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday – around 200 calls up from the previous Saturday night.

Detective Superintendent Darren Minton, of West Yorkshire Police’s safeguarding unit, said the force’s call handlers had a busy night taking calls from domestic abuse victims and others relating to anti-social behaviour.

He said: “The number of reported domestic abuse related incidents has risen when England has been playing. I would like to reiterate our message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated and a moment’s madness towards a partner during the drama of the football can lead to a lifetime of consequences.

“These could be anything from prison terms for violent offences, loss of access to children, loss of access to social housing, the break-up of relationships and also bans from pubs or other public places.

“We will continue to push our message through social media and the campaign posters and leaflets. We will also keep up our patrols and focus on vulnerable victims and known offenders, throughout the tournament, and at all other times.”

Tom Donohoe, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Customer Contact Centre, said: “On a busy night, staff coped really well and the force still managed an average queue time for 999 calls of seven seconds, prioritising our most vulnerable callers.”

West Yorkshire Police will host a webchat with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, on domestic abuse, at 7pm tomorrow.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “Domestic abuse and domestic violence are completely unacceptable. There is no reason for a violent or abusive home, and it’s something no-one should have to live with at any time.

“If anyone has any questions on domestic abuse I would urge them to join Wednesday’s web chat. Our campaign looks to raise the profile of these crimes and most importantly that victims will be listened to and there is help available. It is vital that victims know it is not their fault and that they do not have to put up with it.”

Those who feel they may be at risk can contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. A national domestic violence 24 hour helpline can also be called on 0808 2000 247.