Cricket fans in Bradford are being warned by police they face the full force of the law if they flout road safety while celebrating match wins during the World Cup.

A Bradford police chief said it was only good fortune that no one was killed during the last World Cup series in the UK in 1999 as Pakistan supporters drove in motorcades across the city following their team's successes.

The dangerous driving resulted in 40 people being prosecuted and a number of cars were damaged.

Now as this year's World Cup gets under way, Chief Supt Phil Read, divisional commander of Bradford North Police, is urging cricket fans to take care on the streets. "We appreciate people want to celebrate and feel passionate about the sport but our main concern is their safety, along with everybody else on the roads," he said.

"We had the situation last time where some irresponsible supporters drove around in motorcades. There were some really bad examples of driver behaviour, with cars actually crashing into each other because the drivers couldn't see for large national flags.

"Such dangerous behaviour simply won't be tolerated. It's a wonder no one was killed or badly injured."

Now Chief Supt Read has warned there will be robust policing of the streets to make sure there is no repetition of the dangerous behaviour.

Any motorcades will be prevented by police and any driver caught breaking the law will face prosecution.

"We realise this is a special time for cricket fans and West Yorkshire Police simply wants everyone to be able to enjoy the World Cup series in safety," he said.

"Last time the problems which came to our attention involved Pakistan supporters but we would urge all cricket fans to behave responsibly.