Police reassure fans ahead of East Anglian derby

Norwich and Ipswich go head to head at Carrow Road, following the 2-2 draw at Portman Road in December

Police are reassuring football fans over travel concerns ahead of the East Anglian football derby.

Norwich City host Championship leaders and local rivals Ipswich Town in a 12:30 BST kick-off at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Norfolk Police is expecting about 2,020 Ipswich fans to travel to the city.

The match coincides with industrial action on the trains, but the force has reassured fans it has worked closely with Greater Anglia to try to help things run smoothly.

Norfolk's Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison said: "I want people to feel reassured and have every confidence in their travel plans for Saturday and we’ve been working closely with Greater Anglia and Konectbus Park & Ride service, as part of our planning around the match and in light of changes to the usual scheduled train service, to do just that."

The force is urging fans to plan their travel and arrive at the stadium earlier than usual to ease congestion.

It has worked with Suffolk Constabulary, British Transport Police and both clubs to ensure fans are kept safe and travel smoothly.

Greater Anglia has additional "football special" services that will run between Ipswich and Norwich, calling only at Stowmarket.

These are:

• a 10:50 BST Ipswich to Norwich service which is the last train that will arrive in time for the kick-off

• a 15:09 Norwich to Ipswich service due to arrive in Ipswich at 15:46

• a 15:24 Norwich to Ipswich service due to arrive in Ipswich at 16:05

• an hourly service at other times

There will also be an additional Konectbus Park & Ride service from the Postwick Park and Ride to Thorpe Road in Norwich.

On arrival, officers will be signposting Ipswich fans out of the railway station via a side entrance on to Lower Clarence Road, along Clarence Road and on to Carrow Road.

• BBC Sport: The Championship

They will then be signposted back to the station after the game along the same route.

Supporters using club coaches will also be signposted to the stadium by officers from their planned drop off at Lower Clarence Road.

Norfolk Police warned fans it might be "necessary" to close roads for short periods or direct them along other routes for safety reasons.

Usual road closures will be in place around Carrow Road before and after the match.