POLICE in the region are hunting 18 known football troublemakers who have not yet surrendered their passports ahead of the World Cup finals.

And last night (WEDS), forces across the North-East warned hooligans who did not adhere to Tuesday nights deadline to expect a visit from them - and face a possible six-month prison term and 5,000 fine.

As the ten-day countdown to the first World Cup man begun, 219 of the region's 244 hooligans who are subject to football banning orders handed in their travel documents to police.

Their bans prevent them from attending any of the World Cup matches, or travelling to Germany whilst the tournament is being held.

All banned fans will also have to report to their local police station on the morning of each England match to ensure their orders are being complied with.

* Read the full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo.